Schoolhouse Rock

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.