In this three-week course, we’ll explore some of the most influential songs and songwriters in history, with a special focus on the music of the last 60 years. From David of the Psalms and Martin Luther to Gershwin, Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and many others, we’ll trace how great songs are crafted and why they resonate across generations.

Together we’ll consider questions such as: Why do we love songs? What makes a song truly great? Through a mix of lectures, video clips, and live musical performances, we’ll dive into the artistry, stories, and cultural impact behind the music that has shaped our lives.

Subject: music, history

Glenn Bulthuis was born in Los Angles and grew up with the music of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, James Taylor, and Motown. For thirty-five years he has performed concerts of popular music at Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center and has written songs reflecting on life in America and his deep Christian faith. Bulthuis has produced seven albums and collaborated with musicians who have worked with Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, James Taylor, Burt Bachrach, and the Temptations. In 1984 he performed with John Williams (composer of Star Wars & Indiana Jones) at the Los Angeles Olympics opening ceremonies.  He believes that faith in God and the power of Jesus Christ is the only hope for our broken nation.