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Great Artists in American Roots Music

ID : 2239

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From its emergence amid rapid cultural change in the early 20th century, country music has resonated with people who feel left behind by a shifting world. A key genre of American roots music, it captures hardships of modern life while intentionally evoking emotional response. Whether facing troubled relationships, unemployment, homelessness, loneliness, or spiritual bereft, there is a country song for you. This course traces the history of country and American roots music through the stories and artistic developments of influential performers. Each session highlights key figures including the Carter Family, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton.

YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Taylor Ackley, PhD is a scholar, composer, and performer of American Roots music. He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in composition, and a master’s in ethnomusicology from Stony Brook University. Ackley is an independent scholar and professional musician based in northwestern Montana and is writing his first book, Hearing Class. A singer and multi-instrumentalist, he has performed nationwide, released four albums, and presented at major conferences in music, sociology, and ethnomusicology.

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Class Details

6 Session(s)
Weekly - Mon

Location
OSHER ONLINE

Instructor
Osher Online Faculty

Notice

Please read: Once registered for an Osher Online course, you will receive an email from Osher inviting you to attend the Member Orientation. We encourage you to attend the session as details on logging in to your Osher account will be provided. If you are not able to attend the orientation a recording will be available. Orientation will be on Tuesday, Sept 22, at 2:00 PM.

While all Osher Online registrations are processed by URI OLLI, support for Osher Online classes is provided by the Osher Online team at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies. All questions should be directed to Osher Online, 312-503-5555 or email osheronline@northwestern.edu.

Tuition: $60.00

Registration Closes On
Monday, September 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM