A new School of Rock program has been created and put into the curriculum of two of their Austin locations to shine a light on the Black artists that have had a significant role in music history.
The program, known as “The Deep Roots of Rock & Blues,” teaches students about the origins and main influencers of rock ‘n’ roll by focusing on Black music history, specifically the history of the blues.
The lessons also touch upon other genres blues artists have influenced such as swing and country. By learning about this mix of genres, the students will have a clear idea of how self-taught Black blues artists from primarily the south helped inspire countless musicians such as Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley to usher in 50s rock ‘n’ roll.
“Really, Black artists were the innovators of rock ‘n’ roll artists like Robert Johnson, Etta James,” said Alex Vallejo, drummer and the director of operations at the School of Rock’s Austin locations, in conversation with KVUE-TV Austin. “It’s very important that we tell those stories of where rock ‘n’ roll actually really came from.”
The budding professional musicians participating in the new program will learn about artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Elmore James through listening. Playlists have been curated for the curriculum for the students to immerse themselves into the heart of the blues, focusing on both playing style and the struggles blues artists were singing about.
Once the students have learned the material, they’ll be given the opportunity to audition for the chance to participate in live performances of the blues tracks. Performances have already started taking place. On Feb. 19, students of the School of Rock were invited to play alongside Grammy-nominated blues artist, Ruthie Foster.
“The Deep Roots of Rock & Blues” was created alongside musician, writer and producer Bevis M. Griffin. Known as “Texas’ First Black Glam Rock Star,” Griffin taught himself how to play drums as a high schooler and became part of the band “Franklin’s Mast” in 1972.
Throughout his career, he’s worked alongside musicians like Vernon Reid and Stevie Ray Vaughan as well as producers such as Jack Douglas, known for his work with John Lennon, the Who and Aerosmith.
Now the founder and CEO of his own company, Deux Voix Ltd., Griffin helps younger artists navigate throughout the music industry while staying true to their own sound. Through his experiences and work with newer musicians, one of Griffin’s main focuses is bringing attention to the Black artists that have helped rock music thrive, specifically the evolution of Black artists in hard rock.
“Black culture is much deeper at the root of this thing that you understand as rock ‘n’ roll,” said Griffin to KVUE-TV Austin.
