Selects: How Schoolhouse Rock Rocked: Featuring Bob Nastanovich of Pavement

Schoolhouse Rock originated from an executive's personal wish to make learning fun for his son, which eventually enlisted a team of unique talents to create memorable educational content.

Schoolhouse Rock's Origins: An Executive's Wish to Make Learning Fun For His Son

David McCall observed his son's difficulties with memorizing multiplication tables, despite easily remembering song lyrics from popular bands like the Rolling Stones. Inspired by this contrast, McCall, a partner at an advertising firm, envisioned leveraging music to make learning multiplication tables enjoyable and memorable. The idea was to employ catchy, popular-sounding music to ensure educational content stuck in kids' minds just as jingles did—a technique McCall was familiar with in the realm of advertising.

Creative Team Behind Schoolhouse Rock Included Unique Talent

Bob Dorough Recruited to Write Songs Like "Three Is a Magic Number"

Chuck Bryant notes that Bob Dorough, an acclaimed bebop jazz pianist and composer, was recruited to write songs for the educational series. McCall gave Dorough the mission of creating the songs, emphasizing that the lyrics should treat children with respect, which aligned with Dorough's personal respect for children's intelligence. "Three Is a Magic Number" was the first song Dorough penned for Schoolhouse Rock, setting the tone for the series. He would go on to write, compose, and sing the majority of the Multiplication Rock songs except for two, which featured the vocal talents of jazz musicians Grady Tate and Blossom Dearie.

The creative talents from the original seasons returned for the fifth season of Schoolhouse Rock, including Bob Dorough, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the original team's contributions.

Art Director Tom Yohe Developed Song Visuals

Tom Yohe, the art director at McCall's agenc ...

Schoolhouse Rock combined catchy tunes with educational content, creating memorable lessons that resonate with those who grew up watching them. Let's look back at some of the most iconic songs and segments from this beloved series.

Multiplication Rock Tackled Math Concepts Through Catchy Tunes

"Three Is a Magic Number" Uses Symbolism and Wordplay to Teach Multiplication

"Three Is a Magic Number," written by Bob Dorough, was the first song composed for Schoolhouse Rock to address the topic of multiplication. Chuck Bryant expresses fondness for this song as it effectively tackled multiplication through symbolism and wordplay, making it engaging and memorable for children. This song stands out as an example of how Schoolhouse Rock managed to teach complex concepts in a way that was both fun and understandable.

Standout Multiplication Rock Songs: "Four-Legged Zoo" and "My Hero, Zero"

"Four-Legged Zoo" and "My Hero, Zero" were part of the initial lineup of Schoolhouse Rock songs that aired on the weekend of January 6th and 7th, 1973. Josh Clark notes the complexity of "My Hero, Zero," that dealt with the challenging concept of zero. Surprisingly, "My Hero, Zero" showed to be significant enough that it made Bob Dorough a contender for a Grammy in 1974.

Grammar Rock Explored Language Through Memorable Musical Lessons

Famous Grammar Rock Song: "Conjunction Junction" Explained Conjunctions

"Conjunction Junction," performed by Jack Sheldon, is remembered as one of the most popular songs from the Grammar Rock series. Not only did "Conjunction Junction" explore the sophisticated concept of conjunctions, but it also captured audiences with its complex meter and rhyme scheme. It became one of Schoolhouse Rock's standout hits, rivaling the popularity of "I'm Just a Bill.”

Grammar Rock Featured "A Noun Is a ...

Schoolhouse Rock Became a Beloved Staple For Generations

Schoolhouse Rock has left an indelible mark on generations of viewers, becoming a staple in households and classrooms alike. Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark discuss how the program's unique blend of catchy music, engaging animations, and educational content made an impact that lasted well into their adulthood.

Combination of Music, Animation, and Educational Content Resonated

The series' success can be attributed to this combination, which not only resonated with children but also with educators and parents who appreciated the creative way the lessons were presented.

Songs' Memorability Helped Lessons Last Into Adulthood

It's the memorability of the songs that makes Schoolhouse Rock stand out. Chuck Bryant mentions that songs like "Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla" still bring him joy and serve as his go-to mood lifter. Additionally, significant events like the bicentennial celebration solidified the show's lessons in national memory, making them a part of personal histories for many American children.

Series Has Seen Popularity Resurge Over Decades

Over time, Schoolhouse Rock has seen several resurgences in popularity that demonstrate its lasting appeal and influence on American culture.

1990s Revival Led to Live Stage Show and Covers Album With Contemporary Artists

The 1990s brought new life to Schoolhouse Rock, notably through ABC’s revival that brought back classic tunes and added new content. This period saw the release of "Schoolhouse Rock Rocks," an album where contemporary artists covered the show's classic songs—a physical copy of which is still cherished by one of the speakers. Furthermore, a live stage show, originated in a Chicago basement theater, eventually made its way to an off-Broadway run, and a touring version captivated audiences for four years.

Schoo ...

Listeners and band members alike share their sentimental connections with Schoolhouse Rock, highlighting the profound impact of this cultural icon on individual lives and careers.

Bob Nastanovich of Pavement On Recording "No More Kings" for a Schoolhouse Rock Tribute Album

Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark address the experience of Bob Nastanovich and his band Pavement as they paid homage to Schoolhouse Rock by covering "No More Kings" for a tribute album.

Pavement's Collaborative Recording Session, Described by Nastanovich

Bob Nastanovich shared that Pavement had an opportunity to record "No More Kings" for the Schoolhouse Rock tribute album after they were unexpectedly left with additional studio time. During the same session as their Pacific Trim EP, the three—Stephen Malkmus, Steve West, and Nastanovich—recorded together as Pavement for what was a rare occasion. The recording was spontaneous and executed with a single take on the instrumental, complemented by some vocal overdubbing. It was a smooth and quick process facilitated by their improvisational style. They "pavementized," or infused their unique touch into the song, to ensure an authentic rendition.

Significance of Schoolhouse Rock Songs to Band Members

Schoolhouse Rock holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of Pavement members, with "No More Kings" standing out as a favorite from their youth. The project was significant enough to allow Steve West to showcase his vocal abilities for the first time on a recorded track. Nastanovich expressed satisfaction with their contribution to the compilation, noting that despite initial concerns over the project's potential corniness, it turned out to be one of the more meaningful endeavors outside their own discography. Songs like "Conjunction Junction," remembered fondly from childhood, signified the lasting influence of Schoolhouse Rock on the band members.

Listener Sam Reminisces About Bonding With Family Over Schoolhouse Rock Through the Podcast

Listener Sam recalls the shared experiences with loved ones that were p ...