ALL1375-C 12 Weeks Wednesday 10:30-11:50 Start Date 10-Sep
Grossman 106 Limit 25
This course explores the life, career and cultural impact of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. From his early influences in gospel, blues and country music to his groundbreaking recordings at Sun Records, students will examine how Presley revolutionized the music industry and reshaped American popular culture. Through a combination of lectures and multimedia presentations, the course will analyze key moments in Presley’s career, including his rise to fame in the 1950s, his transition into Hollywood, and his celebrated comeback in the late 1960s. Students will also explore the complexities of his personal life, including his relationship with fame, struggles with addiction, and his lasting legacy after his untimely death in 1977. In addition to studying Presley’s music and films, the course will consider his broader cultural significance—his role in breaking racial barriers in music, his influence on later generations of artists, and his enduring mythos in American and global culture.
Coordinator: Lew Taylor
Lew is a retired public librarian and has both a BA and an MBA in American History. Lew has taught many courses at ALL and is the owner of I Cannot Live Without Books in West Dennis.