This is an old classic,
literally. Many of us may recognize these tunes. Conjunction Junction, I'm Just
a Bill, Three is a Magic Number, and Mother Necessity. These and many others
are a part of the collect known as Schoolhouse Rock.
The idea came when David
McCall, found out that his children had troubles with their multiplication
tables but they memorized entire albums of rock bands like the Rolling
Stones. He decided to use music as a teaching tool. It was an instant success,
when pitched to ABC's children division for animation. The original run was 12
years starting in 1970's and renewed are few times. The last renewal was in
2009.
There are 6 seasons with each
focusing on a different subject. Multiplication, grammar, science, America, money and finally Earth were created. (A short 4-part mini-series on computers was created, but technology advances made it past obsolete.) These short animations and videos
were in the classroom setting. The video "Telegraph Line"
was even show to medical college students, because the reference of telegraphs
to the nervous system was powerful and clear.
Music and lyrics for the entire
"Multiplication Rock" album was by Bob Dorough. He also the main
vocal for most of it, too. The second album, "Grammar Rock" Lynn Ahrens made his Schoolhouse Rock debut. About 46 of the 64 episodes were created to the work of these men. The genre of music used included: rock, jazz, blues, and ballad. Each song was unique in content and music.
