The Fab Four and the Stones: How America Surrendered to the Advance Guard of the British Invasion
They came, they saw, they conquered! This course will examine how American roots music was the launching pad for two of the greatest bands of all time — the Beatles and the Rolling Stones — and the uncanny way in which their careers paralleled each other. We will examine six phases in the history of each band, and in the spirit of learning we’ll do some rock and roll contrasting and comparing. The class will look at that period when both bands were active, 1962-1969.
Faculty Bio
Pete Elman is a musician, an author, a journalist, a historian — and a star educator. He has performed, recorded and produced popular music since 1962, authored four books, been a sportswriter, taught K-12, and, since 2015, has wowed OLLI members with more than a dozen courses on American music.
This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course
- Classes will meet in person at the Freight and Salvage, at 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704
- Classes will stream live simultaneously, and be video recorded
- Please note: Due to copyright restrictions, some songs and video clips may be edited out of the final recording
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and ends on Wednesday, Nov. 6
- Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (1–3 PM)
- Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
- All course materials, including videos, will remain available to view and enjoy through Dec. 31
Member Praise for Pete Elman
Another wonderful class from Pete! Once again, he added to my appreciation and understanding of the music and contributions from artists I already have enjoyed and admired for so long.
I gained so much appreciation for the musicians and their music than I expected to. Very, very enjoyable. I'll take any course Pete Elman offers.
Faculty Q&A
- Read an interview with Pete Elman from our archive.