Moderator Bill Lavin presents an exploration of the life and music of Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson (1930–2004), one of the most influential artists in American music history. A pioneer of soul music, Charles fused rhythm and blues, gospel, jazz, and blues, while also breaking racial barriers in country and pop music through groundbreaking crossover recordings. Celebrated by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest singers of all time and praised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, Charles preferred to be known simply as “Brother Ray.” This seminar traces his life, legacy, and enduring impact on American music in the latter half of the twentieth century.

We will do an in-depth review of the musical Hamilton. There are many backstories and hidden meanings in the lyrics, costumes, staging, etc. This class will watch the Act 1 the first week followed by Act 2 the second week. But rather than just watch this, we will be looking closely at the lyrics and hearing about how Lin-Manuel Miranda created this Tony award winning musical.

This seminar explores the remarkable story of Gennett Records, a pioneering record company based in nearby Richmond, Indiana. As a division of the Starr Piano Company, Gennett filled a critical gap in the 1920s by recording American popular music artists overlooked by major labels such as Victor and Columbia. The company made the first recordings of jazz legends King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton, as well as early recordings by Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, including Stardust. Gennett also recorded blues, folk, gospel, and western musicians, and even captured William Jennings Bryan’s famed “Cross of Gold” speech. Located just 45 minutes from Dayton, Gennett Records played a pivotal role in shaping American popular music a century ago.