Barkley makes the assertion that many of todays singer songwriters like John Mayer, Tori Amos, Ben Harper and Norah Jones are musical descendants of the innovations in songwriting made by musicians who participated in the Urban Folk Revival (Barkley, 184). Argue for or against her statement and explain why you think what you do.

Chapter 14:

Barkley makes the assertion that many of todays singer songwriters like John Mayer, Tori Amos, Ben Harper and Norah Jones are musical descendants of the innovations in songwriting made by musicians who participated in the Urban Folk Revival (Barkley, 184). Argue for or against her statement and explain why you think what you do.

Chapter 15:

In musical terms, what aspects of early Rock n Roll come from African-American traditions versus Euro-American traditions?

Chapter 16:

1. Describe how Motown records was based on a factory model. What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of this type of system might have been in terms of commercial success, productivity and creativity?

2. In the early 1970s, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye fought the system at Motown to create albums over which they had complete artistic control. Describe ways in which their music changed after this break.

3. What are some of the musical differences between recordings that appeared on Motown records and Stax/Volts? Refer to specific recordings.

Chapter 17:

1. What elements from different styles of popular music can you hear in what Barkley calls the “salsified pop” of artists like Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony and Linda “La India” Caballero?

2. Describe some of the ways in which immigration to the United States (and New York in particular) affected the music of the Latin Carribbean. Be specific.

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