This course will track the musical development of the Beatles, starting from the earliest days in Liverpool, moving through the excitement of Beatlemania, the rush of psychedelia, and the maturity of their studio years. While the focus will be on the music, we will also consider how recording techniques, the music business, the music of other artists, and the larger culture of the 1960s affected John, Paul, George, and Ringo as they created their classic works. Experience the world’s greatest band as you’ve never seen—and heard—them before.
This course is lead by Dr. Mike Daley, who has taught music at Guelph, McMaster, Waterloo and York Universities. His scholarly articles on American popular music have appeared in international journals and he has spoken at academic conferences from Normandy to Nashville. A professional guitarist and singer, Mike has performed and recorded widely, and leads music-themed tours to New York, Nashville, St. John's and New Orleans.
Doors will open one hour before the first class. Registrants will receive supplementary materials in advance of their first class.
Thursdays, January 12 - February 16, 10 a.m. to noon
January 12: The Origins
We'll examine the family backgrounds of the members of the Beatles, as well as the larger backdrop of postwar Liverpool. Their formative cultural influences, from Elvis and Lonnie Donegan to the Goon Show, will also be covered.
January 19: The Early Beatles
From the formation of John Lennon's teenage band The Quarrymen through early club dates in Liverpool and Hamburg, to their signing with EMI and first few records, we'll cover the early years of the band through 1962.
January 26: Beatlemania Through 1964
The Beatles conquered England in 1963 and the rest of much of the world in 1964. In this class we'll track the halcyon days of Beatlemania, including their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show and first film, A Hard Day's Night.
February 2: The Transitional Years, 1965-66
In 1965-66 the Beatles rewrote the rules of rock and roll music, particularly in the recording studio. We'll discuss their rapid artistic evolution in this period, leading up to the end of their touring days and the release of their world-beating album Revolver.
February 9: The Peak of Creativity, 1967-68
With their innovative 1967 recordings, including 'Strawberry Fields Forever,' the Beatles sealed their position at the top of pop music. The sudden death of their manager, Brian Epstein in August 1967 threw the band into organizational turmoil. 1968 saw them creating a sprawling double album and starting their own company: Apple.
February 16: The Breakup, 1969-70
The ill-fated Get Back film project was an attempt to return to form, but inter-band relations were in decline, tainted by drug abuse and personal resentments. The final breakup was acrimonious and played out over years in the courts. Meanwhile, the individual Beatles began their solo careers. We'll discuss these later years and the Beatles' enduring legacy.