MUSIC AMERICANA: LEGENDS OF POPULAR MUSIC

Rod MacDonald

DESCRIPTION: Great musical artists embody their times, blending real roots and achievements with myth, acquiring legendary status along the way. From the swinging solos of Louis Armstrong to the soaring harmonies of the Eagles, the sophisticated romance of Cole Porter to the vocal eloquence of Renee Fleming, the timely brilliance of the Smothers Brothers to the decades-long virtuosity of Paul McCartney, their songs and performances have inspired us through the years. This lecture series will re-examine the work, biographies and enduring importance of legendary musical artists of our time and attempt to sort myth from reality, using updated videos and excerpts from feature films, live performances, and a few surprises as well.

EIGHT LECTURES:

1. When Jazz Was Pops: Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby
   
2. The Beauty Of A Song: Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael
   
3. Dueling Divas: Billie Holliday, Diana Ross, Lady Sings The Blues
   
4. Growing Pains: Bobby Darin, The Monkees
   
5. The Music Of Laughter: Victor Borge, Smothers Brothers, Steve Martin
   
6. Sunshine Supermen: The Beachboys, CSN & Y, The Eagles
   
7. Curtain Call: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Renee Fleming
   
8. After The Fall: Lennon, Harrison, Starr, McCartney

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Rod MacDonald began his career as a singer/songwriter in Greenwich Village in New York City, in 1973. He has 21 songs in the Smithsonian Folkways collection and has released eleven CDs, including the 2011 releases Songs Of Freedom and Dylan Jam + 2 with his group, Big Brass Bed. He performs at festivals, at concerts and in clubs, locally and throughout North America and Europe. He was named Best Local Acoustic Performer in Broward and Palm Beach counties by the New Times, and one of the “10 Magnificent Musicians” of Palm Beach County by the Palm Beach Post.