Prof. Ellis Introduction

Hello, everyone. I’m the professor for your History of Rock course. Before Vermont, I hailed from Memphis, Tennessee, where I was the music writer for the daily paper, the Commercial Appeal, back when music legends such as Sam Phillips, Rufus Thomas, and Isaac Hayes were alive and a phone call away. Much of my take on the history of rock, in fact, comes from the hundreds of interviews I conducted with Memphis-loving rock stars (Robert Plant, Billy Joel, the Edge, etc.) as well as the oral histories, stories, and experiences of the folks who for generations have continued to define the musical scope of the city: its blues, soul, gospel, rock, hip hop.

I grew up in a traditional music household (my dad played banjo for Bill Monroe, my godfather) before pursuing my MM in classical guitar and PhD in ethnomusicology. In 2011 I came to Saint Michael’s – during Dead Elvis Week, no less! – and am an Associate Professor of Music in our Fine Arts Department. I also record and compose blues and gospel music under my full name, William Lee Ellis; you’ll find a few of my albums on Spotify – be kind!

I'm happy to have you all for this class and can’t wait to hear your thoughts – and discoveries – on this wonderful topic of rock and roll! Below I’ve posted a video by two of my many favorite acts, both now sadly gone, Tom Petty and Prince, who shared the stage in 2004 for an all-star tribute to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee George Harrison. It’s no overstatement to say Prince stole the show when he enters at the 3:28-minute mark for an absolutely stunning guitar solo.