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: Song Composition Level 6—Impacts of Writing Style

Background Info: https://sites.google.com/a/georgiasouthern.edu/statesboroblues2/synopsis

Blind Willie McTell only married once. In 1934, he was married to Ruthy Kate Williams, and later did several recording sessions with her going under the name of Ruby Glaze. She accompanied him on stage and on several recordings before becoming a nurse in 1939. Most of their marriage from 1942 until his death was spent apart, with her living in Fort Gordon near Augusta and him working around Atlanta.

Postwar, he recorded for Atlantic Records and Regal Records in 1949, but these recordings met with less commercial success than his previous works. He continued to perform around Atlanta, but his career was cut short by ill health, including diabetes and alcoholism.

Instructional Objective/Learning Outcome:

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

The student will:

Read the biography of Blind Willie
Read the biography of the student’s selected popular singer/song writer
Discuss the demands of ‘stardom’ and the impact on personal life.
Discuss the negative costs of stardom versus its benefits.
What other ‘media rich’ jobs/roles are also impacted.

Assessment Outcome:

Students will find other examples of ‘media rich roles’ and explain ways to control these. How do/can musicians, the Royals, MPs, etc. manage impact the overall society without loss of personal lives?

Materials:

Access to website.