Lesson Plan Outline

Blind Willie McTell

Internationally Known Blues Song-Writer and Performer

Prepared by:Cindi Chance__ Title:_ Professor______________________

Representing: Georgia Southern University_____________

Date:June 8, 2011_____________________

Content Area: Level 6—Impacts of Musician on Community

Background Info:

View and study pictures of the gravesite on the Blind Willie McTell website.

Instructional Objective/Learning Outcome:

The students will broaden their knowledge about how music impacts the personal lives of performers.

The student will:

Study this picture carefully. Note the ‘gifts’ left by others on Blind Willie’s grave.
Read the biography of Blind Willie
Read the biography of the student’s selected popular singer/song writer
Discuss the demands of a ‘star’ on his/her community
Discuss how ‘respect for the man’ would result in money being left, whiskey (actually ‘white lightening’, flowers, etc. being left. Why would each of these be left for him? By whom? Why would everyone in the ‘community’ which is in a very impoverished county, as well as the many visitors to the grave site, allow the money to stay there until it turns very dark (note picture)?

Assessment Outcome:

Students will write a paper about what he/she would leave on the grave of his/her favorite ‘star musician’ and why? The star musician does not need to be deceased.

Materials:

Access to website.