Musicology and Music Theory Colloquium Series
Frankie and Johnny, Muddy and Monroe: Hearing American Music as One Thing
This event will feature a live-streamed presentation by jazz and bluegrass violinist Matt Glaser (Berklee College of Music) titled “Frankie and Johnny, Muddy and Monroe: Hearing American Music as One Thing.” The lecture will be followed by a live performance by multi-instrumentalists Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman.
A dedication to scholarship is foundational to the world-class performances at the CU Boulder College of Music. Join us for discussions with CU Boulder faculty, students and guests covering diverse topics that delve into the intricacies and history of global music.
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Whether it's $5 or $100, your gift will help the work of the College of Music continue to inspire artistry and discovery, together. Please pay what you can before or after enjoying this special presentation—or join us for free!
Despite the prevalence of stylistic markers such as jazz, country, blues and other largely marketing terms, there are many ways in which all of American music in the 20th century is closely connected and has grown from similar seeds. In this talk, we will listen to music that straddles supposed stylistic boundaries and discover that in America, everyone plays the song “Frankie and Johnny” and everyone plays the blues (of which “Frankie and Johnny” is a variant!).
We will listen to excerpts from musicians ranging from Jimmy Rodgers, Louis Armstrong, Bob Wills, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Bill Monroe, Mahalia Jackson, Muddy Waters, The Stanley Brothers and James Brown. We will also identify core melodic rhythms shared across different genres in 20th-century American music.