Collins Memorial Library: HUM 260: Rock Music, 1950-1970: Getting Started

Oxford Music Online

Oxford Music Online is an excellent starting point for your research. It contains thousands of biographical and subject articles, including the full content from Oxford's Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Note: Limit of 3 simultaneous users.

Background & Context

Use these reference resources (tertiary sources) to launch your research projects. Pay very close attention to the bibliographies provided at the end of most entries, as these will identify for you especially pertinent sources.

The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Rock History by Lisa Scrivani-Tidd; Richard Skanse; Chris R. Smith; John Borgmeyer; Bob Gulla; MaryAnn Janosik; Rhonda Markowitz; Rob Patterson
Call Number: ML3534 .G754 2006 Print Reference (first floor of library)
Publication Date: 2005
Each of the six volumes in this set provides both narrative chapters and helpful recommended resources for information about important performers, trends, and genres in rock music history.
Encyclopedia of Indie Rock by Kerry L. Smith (Editor)
Call Number: Electronic reference: click on link above to access
Publication Date: 2008
Chronicles the history and development of indie rock. Includes entries on the singers and songwriters, producers, labels, and icons who have shaped the genre.
Dictionary of American History, 3rd ed. by Stanley I. Kutler
Call Number: Click on title above for online access.
Publication Date: 2003
Standard reference work for U.S. history.
Encyclopedia of African American Popular Culture by Jessie Carney Smith (Editor)
Call Number: Electronic reference: click on link above to access
Publication Date: 2010
Includes essays and entries on key performers, artists, musicians and more as well as broader cultural movements.
American Countercultures by Gina Misiroglu (Editor)
Call Number: HM647 .A44 2009 Print Reference (first floor of library)
Publication Date: 2009
Entries on personalities, places, events, concepts, beliefs, and groups examine the impact of countercultural movements on American social history.
Encyclopedia of Contemporary British Culture by Peter Childs (Editor); Michael Storry (Editor)
Call Number: Electronic reference: click on link above to access
Publication Date: 2012
Surveys British cultural practices and icons in the latter half of the twentieth century. Examines high and popular culture and encompasses both institutional and alternative aspects of British culture.
The Vietnam Experience: A Concise Encyclopedia of American Literature, Songs, and Films by Kevin C. Hillstrom; Laurie Collier Hillstrom (Editors)
Call Number: DS557.73 .H55 1998 Print reference (first floor of library)
Publication Date: 1998
Presents entries on the cultural productions related to the Vietnam War.