Composers and songwriters Books

Book SynopsisIn this candid and perceptive memoir of his 45-year career bassist Jerry Scheff takes us onto Elvis's private jet on tour with Bob Dylan and into the studio with The Doors. A stalwart presence behind some of the greatest names of popular music Scheff has also played with Roy Orbison Elvis Costello the Association Neil Diamond Johnny Mathis the Everly Brothers John Denver and Nancy Sinatra to name just a few. Eschewing hype Scheff provides a behind-the-scenes perspective from having worked sleeves rolled up side by side with the great artists in their factories.ÞThe book opens with the TCB band's learning of the King's death while en route to a tour date a pivotal moment for him the rest of the band and the world at large. He then proceeds on a nonlinear journey that mirrors the process of true life-reflection from his roots in San Francisco to his touring all over the world.ÞThis is a tale of a man who has truly grown a career from a genuine love of music and of his instrument proving how following that gift can bring a person to places beyond his wildest dreams. It is an exciting inside view of the evolution and craft and work of making rock and roll ä a must-have for true music craftsmen and music junkies in general.

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Book SynopsisLed by the iconic frontman Robert Smith, the Cure remain one of the most beloved and influential bands in the history of alternative rock. Thanks in part to classic singles like "Just Like Heaven," "Boys Don't Cry," "Lovesong," "In Between Days," and many others, the Cure have sold millions of records worldwide and have performed in front of countless fans in every corner of the globe. Albums like Disintegration, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, and The Head on the Door are universally hailed as landmarks of the genre. For the first time, The Cure FAQ covers the band's forty-plus year career while offering fresh insight into each song in the Cure's vast canon. Each album is dissected and reviewed with candid commentary and extensive research. With their March 2019 entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame firmly establishing the Cure's place in the musical stratosphere, the timing for a career overview is perfect and The Cure FAQ delivers.

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Book SynopsisThe story of a brief music career, 'Your Secrets Are Safe With Me' is much more a narrative of the quest for meaning. At once funny and sad, poignant and absurd, it is not the exploration of one life. Rather, it marks the convergence of many lives linked by music--lives that became intertwined on a journey to discover what it means to be human. For most, the end of the journey came much too soon. It is left to the one who remains to speak for those who can no longer speak for themselves, to express gratitude for all they gave and love for all they were, to show that their lives mattered, to insist that they not be forgotten, and, finally, to recall the music that they made together. 

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Book SynopsisWas John Lennon meeting Paul McCartney more significant than John Lennon meeting Yoko Ono? Rubber Soul or Revolver? Which Wings album was Paul McCartney’s solo pinnacle?In 100 brief chapters, John M. Borack discusses and ranks the greatest moments in Beatles history. An avid Fab Four fan since childhood and a music journalist for more than thirty-five years, Borack has created a book to agree with and disagree with, and one that is sure to spark conversations. A love letter to the greatest rock band of all time, The Beatles 100 is a book for Beatles buffs and casual fans alike.

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Book SynopsisThe first feminist analysis of some of the most performed works in the American-opera canon, emphasizing the voices and perspectives of the sopranos who brought these operas to life. In the 1950s, composers and librettists in the United States were busy seeking to create an opera repertory that would be deeply responsive to American culture and American concerns. They did not break free, however, of the age-old paradigm so typically expressed in European opera: that is, of women as either saintly and pure or sexually corrupt, with no middle ground. As a result, in American opera of the 1950s, women risked becoming once again opera's inevitable victims. Yet the sopranos who were tasked with portraying these paragons of virtue and their opposites did not always take them as their composers and librettists made them. Sometimes they rewrote, through their performances, the roles they had been assigned. Sometimes they used their lived experiences to invest greater authenticity in the roles. With chapters on The Tender Land, Susannah, The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Lizzie Borden, this book analyzes some of the most performed yet understudied works in the American-opera canon. It acknowledges Catherine Clément's famous description of opera as "the undoing of women," while at the same time illuminating how singers like Beverly Sills and Phyllis Curtin worked to resist such undoing, years before the official resurgence of the American feminist movement. In short, they ended up helping to dismantle powerful gendered stereotypes that had often reigned unquestioned in opera houses until then.Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 American Opera at Midcentury Chapter 2 A Conniving Gold Digger: Elizabeth "Baby Doe" Tabor Chapter 3 A "Really Vicious Monster": Lizzie Andrew Borden Chapter 4 A Chaste White Woman: Laurie Moss Chapter 5 A Dangerous Jezebel: Susannah Polk Epilogue "The World So Wide": Beyond the Virgin or the Whore in the Twenty-First Century Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe Next Great Rock and Roll NovelOn a September afternoon in Santa Barbara, a private jet carrying the members of Poor Ghost—one of America’s most storied rock bands—plunges into the backyard of Caleb Crane, a retired insurance salesman. Still mourning his wife’s death from Covid, Caleb finds himself navigating trauma, grief, and loss, all while his quiet neighborhood is invaded by pushy reporters and rabid Poor Ghost fans.For fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & the Six and its fictional documentary structure, Poor Ghost moves back and forth between the impact of the plane crash on Caleb’s life and an oral history of Poor Ghost—from its beginnings as a working-class punk band to rock icons. As the twisting and turning strands of the plot converge, readers are shown what happens when different worlds (literally) collide with one another, and how we view, negotiate, argue with, and aid those who are unl

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Book SynopsisHere is an in-depth look at the life of one of pop music's hottest international stars. This book reveals the details of Rihanna's unhappy childhood, her wild child past that earned her the nickname of Rebel Flower, and how she found it therapeutic after her parents' troubled marriage to join the army. A fascinating story of her transformation from schoolgirl Robyn Fenty to one of the most successful R&B artists in the world. Explores her turbulent relationship with singer Chris Brown which resulted in a photograph of her battered face making headlines around the globe. Features exclusive interviews with Rihanna's old schoolfriends, producers, songwriters, video directors, journalists and many more who witnessed her transformation over the years. A must-read for fans new and old. "

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Book SynopsisIn 1963, it was unusual for a pop group to have a monthly magazine devoted exclusively to their career. Only Elvis Presley had been considered important enough to warrant such an honour. But then the Beatles were unusual. Within the space of that pivotal year, the Fab Four became the biggest thing in British popular culture and their worldwide fame was soon inescapable. One of the first to astutely recognise their greatness was Sean O'Mahony and the monthly magazine he launched with the full blessing of The Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein - The Beatles Book.Looking Through You presents a selection of over 300 images from the precious Beatles Book photo archive, many unpublished or unseen in their original form from the original negatives, as well as the story behind the success of the regular Beatle bulletin.With each new issue, Beatle fans worldwide would voraciously devour the contents from cover-to-cover, discovering the Fab Four's latest news and activities and most of all, savouring the exclusive B&W photographs, captured by in-house photographer, Leslie Bryce. During the magazine's six-year run only a small fraction of these photographs were printed - and then often altered in some way. The Beatles Book Monthly captured the Beatles' development from British provincial theatres - through foreign tours including their ground-breaking first American visit - and onwards to the band's withdrawal into the recording studio. It was unique in its access - as well as concert tours and television shows, the band were photographed off duty, at their homes and in the studio - locales that were generally out-of-bounds to most Beatle observers. This unique and original photographic record preserves many important moments within the Beatles' career, providing a historically important glimpse into the world's greatest ever entertainment phenomenon.

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Book SynopsisRobert Johnson. Brian Jones. Jimi Hendrix. Janis Joplin. Jim Morrison. Kurt Cobain. Amy Winehouse. They were inspirational, controversial, talismanic and innovative. They lead lives full of myth, scandal, sex, drugs and some of the most glorious music that has ever heard. Though each of their lives were cut tragically short at the age of 27, they would all leave the world having changed it irrevocably. Chris Salewicz tells, in intimate detail, the stories behind these compelling figures. From Robert Johnson and his legendary deal with the devil, to Jimi Hendrix appearing like a psychedelic comet on the London scene, through to Amy Winehouse's blazing talent and her savage appetite for self-destruction.Trade ReviewOne of the most rivetingly detailed, revealing music biographies ever written - The Sunday TimesA great read. Brutally frank and full of insights - MojoA riveting read that will keep you gripped to the end - Daily Mirror

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Book SynopsisDmitry Shostakovich was one of the most successful composers of the twentieth century – a musician who adapted as no other to the unique pressures of his age. By turns vilified and feted by Stalin during the Great Purge, Shostakovich twice came close to the whirlwind of political repression and he remained under political surveillance all his life, despite the many privileges and awards heaped upon him in old age. Yet Shostakovich had a remarkable ability to work with, rather than against, prevailing ideological demands, and it was this quality that ensured both his survival and his posterity. Pauline Fairclough’s absorbing new biography offers a vivid portrait that goes well beyond the habitual clichés of repression and suffering. Featuring quotations from previously unpublished letters as well as rarely-seen photographs, Fairclough provides a fresh insight into the music and life of a composer whose legacy, above all, was to have written some of the greatest and most cherished music of the last century.Trade Review'Pauline Fairclough’s attractively readable and fair-minded new biography sails elegantly past old arguments, while taking fascinating account of the mass of new research that has appeared in recent years. The result is a wise and sympathetic portrait of a remarkable man, which will appeal broadly to musicians and music-lovers, to those who already love Shostakovich’s music and those who would like to discover it for themselves.'-Gerard McBurney, Composer

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Book SynopsisOf all the great British bands to emerge from the 1960s, none had a stronger sense of place than the Kinks. Often described as the archetypal English band, they were above all a quintessentially working-class band with a deep attachment to London. Mark Doyle examines the relationship between the Kinks and their city, from their early songs of teenage rebellion to their album-length works of social criticism. He finds fascinating and sometimes surprising connections with figures as diverse as Edmund Burke, John Clare and Charles Dickens. More than just a book about the Kinks, this is a book about a social class undergoing a series of profound changes, and about a group of young men who found a way to describe, lament and occasionally even celebrate those changes through song.

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Book SynopsisThe first book-length study in English of composer Mathias Spahlinger, one of Germany’s leading practitioners of contemporary music. One of the most stimulating and provocative figures on the new music scene on Germany, he has long been a touchstone for leftist, ‘critical’ composition there, yet his work has received very little attention in Anglophone scholarship until now. Born in 1944, Spahlinger has risen only gradually to prominence in his native Germany and for many years was considered an outsider within the contemporary music scene. Yet, his position as one of the most venerable exponents of post-WWII modernism in his homeland is now undeniable: his music is regularly performed, he has received commissions from many of the major orchestras and new music groups in Germany, and in 2014 he received the Großen Berliner Kunstpreis (Berlin Art Prize – Grand Prize) from the city’s Akademie der Künste (Academy of Arts). Spahlinger is, however, becoming increasingly known as a significant figure within later twentieth-century music – in 2015, a festival in Chicago focused exclusively on his music, and he was a keynote speaker at a conference on Compositional Aesthetics and the Political at Goldsmiths, University of London. This new book provides an essential reference for scholars of new music and twentieth-century modernism. There are no other book-length studies of Spahlinger in English, though there is a monograph and a book of essays in German, and books of interviews. This original work promises a more critical perspective upon the composer and his aesthetics and political ideas compared to previous publications. The illustrations include musical examples. Its primary market will be a specialist musicological readership, including academics, researchers and composers, but the writing style such that it could be accessible also to undergraduates interested in the field. The discussion of aesthetic debates in post-war Germany, and the interesting reading of the work of Jacques Rancière, means that it could also have significant appeal across the disciplines of philosophy and critical theory.Trade Review'While on the one hand, Neil Thomas Smith succeeds in filling up a void in academic literature on Spahlinger in English, his writing exceeds that purpose by bringing Spahlinger’s work into a general cultural and political context.[...] What is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Smith’s book is the detailed analysis of many notable works of Spahlinger, which generations of composers will find very useful after listening to the music. On the whole therefore, this very enlightening book illustrates how one of the most influential composers at the dawn of the 21st century put thought and sound into the wholeness of his unique works that continue to intrigue the global artistic community.' -- Jonas Baes, Popular MusicTable of ContentsIntroduction Part 1 Modernism Underestimated Biography and Context: Spahlinger and Twentieth-Century Germany Part 2 Musique Concrète Instrumentale Order Open Form Perception Conclusion Mathias Spahlinger: List of Works

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Book SynopsisBruce Springsteen called him 'one of the great, great American songwriters', Jackson Browne hailed him as 'the first and foremost proponent of song noir', and Stephen King once said that if he could write like him, he 'would be a happy guy'. The list of artists that lined up to appear on his records include Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Dave Gilmour and Emmylou Harris. So how is it that most people, if they have heard of Warren Zevon at all, know him only as 'that Werewolves' guy'? This book goes beyond that solitary hit single to examine all aspects of Zevon's multifaceted, five-decade career, from his beginnings in the slightly psychedelic folk duo Lyme and Cybelle, through to his commercial breakthrough in the late Seventies with Excitable Boy, his critically acclaimed late Eighties comeback Sentimental Hygiene, his decline into cult obscurity, and his triumphant if heart-breaking final testament, The Wind, released just prior to his death in 2003. Along the way the reader will discover one of rock's consummate balladeers, as well as a cast of characters including doomed drug dealers, psychopathic adolescents, outlaws of the Old West, BDSM fetishists, ghostly gunslingers, an unfeasibly large assembly of apes, and, yes, lycanthropes unleashed on the streets of London.

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Book SynopsisReleased in 1977 during the height of disco fever and punk rock, Bat Out of Hell is an ambitious debut album that bucked the trend and confounded critics. With the help of several hit singles, it struck a chord with record buyers and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

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Book SynopsisAlkan: lonely 19th century genius, virtuoso pianist and also composer of some of the most difficult and disturbingly powerful piano music. After a long period of neglect his piano music is being discovered by an ever-widening public and played and recorded by some of the world's leading pianists. This edition, in two parts, was originally published in two separate volumes - the first dealth with the man, and the second was devoted solely to his music. With this reprint in one volume the books have been extensively revised, with two extra appendices added, and new bibliographies and discographies included.Trade Review'This book, which contains a number of fascinating illustrations, should interest all lovers of 19th century piano music and introduces us to an uniquely historic figure.' - Humphrey Searle, HiFi News; 'This is a book to linger over and savour, and from which to gain much more knowledge of some of the greatest piano music ever written.' - Harold Truscott, Music & Musicians; 'I found this book completely absorbing.' - Max Harrison, Musical Opinion; 'I'll tell you how good this book is: it kept me from piano practice before an important engagement. I'm sure its wisdom will inform my future piano practice and compensate for what it stole today.' - Ronald Stevenson, Piano; "This is an excellent overview of the life and works of the greatest pianist who ever lived by one of his foremost interpreters. Even Liszt was intimidated by the thought of playing in front of Alkan! It is strongly recommended for all lovers of classical music, but for pianists, it is indispensible."Table of ContentsBook 1: Alkan - The Man, Acknowledgements, Introduction, 1. Prodigy, 2. Virtuoso, 3. Delaborde, 4. A Lost Symphony, 5. The "Grande Sonate", 6. Marmontel, 7. Recluse, 8. Prometheus Bound, 9. Les Petit Concerts, 10. The Final Years, 11. The Death of Alkan, 12. Rescue of a Lost Cause, 13. Personality and Appearance, 14. The Reluctant Virtuoso, 15. The MusicIndex, Index of Alkan's Works, List of Illustrations, Family Tree of Alkan Morhange, Book 2: Alkan - The Music, Introduction and Acknowledgements, 1. Early Works, 2. The Concerti da Camera, 3. The Crystallisation of Style, 4. The Miniatures, 5. The Thirty Chants, 6. The Grande Sonate and Sonatine, 7. Trois Grandes Etudes Op.76, 8. Douze etudes Op.35, 9. Douze etudes Op.39, 10. Miscellaneous piano music, 11. Transcriptions and Cadenzas, 12. Chamber Music, 13. Orchestral and Vocal Music, 14. Organ or Pedal-piano? 15. Alkan's Creative Personality

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Book SynopsisBob Sawyer - one time guitarist with both Iron Maiden & Praying Mantis tells his story covering the previously unchartered depths of the early days of both bands with all the gigs recalled from Bob's own archive, including previously unpublished photos. This unique account details Bob's musical journey from the early seventies to being the guitarist in Iron Maiden during the band's formative years in the mid-seventies - before they had even signed a record contract. The band gigged relentlessly in an around their native East end of London, where they regularly played the pubs and clubs such as the Cart & Horses and Bridge House. Although Bob left Iron Maiden before they were signed to EMI, the advent of a surge in this genre dubbed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal saw Bob touring with one of the chief exponents Praying Mantis as part of the 1980 Metal For Muthas Tour that included bands such as Motorhead, Saxon and Samson, as well as his former band Iron Maiden. Bob also picked up with Iron Maiden again when Praying Mantis toured as the support act on Maiden's first headlining tour. Bob kept diaries, which now published in this book, give a great behind the scenes look at the formative days of not just these bands but of the enduring heavy metal movement as well.

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Book SynopsisFrom humble beginnings in Teignmouth, Devon on England’s South West Coast, since the band’s inception around twenty-five years ago Muse has grown into one of the biggest bands in the world. Since the release of debut album Showbiz in 1999, Muse has gone on to mega status, selling out stadiums around the globe. From a band that was helped in the nineties with a £150 grant from the Prince’s Trust, they have escalated into leading torch bearers for twenty-first century rock music. Never shy to acknowledge influences from the past, Muse has also created its own unique style from blending numerous music genres into their own defining image. Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard have remained together through thick and thin; time and time again producing huge selling albums and sold out concert tours. This Visual Biography is a wonderful keep-sake souvenir portraying the band’s rise to superstardom, right up to 2019’s Simulation Theory tour. The largely, previously unpublished photos are complimented with a 15,000 word band history by music author Laura Shenton.

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Book SynopsisA quietly spoken, true English eccentric with something of a rebellious streak, Tony Stratton Smith initially charmed and blustered his way into the music business as a manager during the early 1960s and a few years later, when the record labels stopped playing by what he believed to be the rules, he simply went and formed his own -The Famous Charisma Label - and set about spinning the record business on its head. An independent label like no other, it is fair to say that without Strat's total belief and unwavering long-term support there would be no Genesis - Phil Collins has said as much - and a long line of artists owe Tony a similar debt of gratitude, from Monty Python to Malcolm McLaren, Lindisfarne to Sir John Betjeman, Vivian Stanshall to Julian Lennon. A former sports journalist and close friend to Jimmy Greaves and Sir Matt Busby (Strat narrowly missed a seat in the Munich Air crash) he later became a popular figure in the horse racing world. But making money was never very high on Tony's agenda, simply a means to an end that enabled him to fund the music and mayhem that brought him so much enjoyment. Strat was never happier than when the artists that he had so carefully nurtured were fulfilling their creative potential, delighting in working with the talents of Peter Gabriel, Alan Hull, Clifford T. Ward, Howard Werth and Peter Hammill. Ultimately, what he really cared about were the people, the creativity, about imagination, inspiration and risk, and the sheer joy to be had in bringing all those elements together, lighting the Charisma-pink touch paper and standing back, glass in hand, to watch what might happen when the sparks began to fly.

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Book SynopsisOn 26th March 1971 at Newcastle City Hall, Keith Emerson, Greg Lake & Carl Palmer performed their version of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition. An iconic classical piece given an innovative spin by the talented trio, it was released as an album following the success of their second studio album, Tarkus. In many ways, Pictures At An Exhibition is the underdog of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s longstanding discography — so much so that there was uncertainty surrounding whether or not it was going to be released at all! And yet, despite the band’s uncertainties surrounding the LP at the time, it is now vital — both in terms of ELP’s history and in the wider sense of how it bridged a gap between rock and classical music. It certainly wasn’t the first album to do this but it is nevertheless a relevant and important part of such discourse. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on ELP’s Pictures At An Exhibition from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time, how it compares to Mussorgsky’s original piece and what it means in terms of ELP’s legacy today.

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Book SynopsisReleased in 1978, This Year’s Model was Elvis Costello’s second album and his first with The Attractions. Abundant in clever songwriting that often-made bold observational statements (even about the music industry itself!), This Year’s Model grabbed the attention of both UK and US audiences. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on This Year’s Model from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Elvis Costello’s legacy today.

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Book SynopsisFZ88 follows in the wake of our hugely successful Zappa The Hard Way, written by Zappa aficionado Andrew Greenaway. That title published in 2010 documented Zappa's last tour in great detail. The only thing it really lacked was a swathe of great photos to accompany the insightful and in-depth story. This new title now completes the picture in more ways than one, built around the photos of Sergio `Milo' Albonico. The name will be familiar to Zappa buffs as Albonico was Zappa's official photographer and his photos were used on the 1988 tour programme as well as the album release Guitar. An extensive selection of Albonico's photos adorn the pages of this book. With additional text from Greenaway that puts the photos in context, along with words from Albonico, this publication is further enhanced by other previously unpublished photos as well as memorabilia from the time. This collection is a visual documentary of Zappa's last tour and a perfect companion to Zappa The Hard Way. But it also stands alone as a great collection of never-before-seen photos of Zappa from the rehearsals and concerts of his last tour.

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Book SynopsisSlaves And Masters is arguably one of the most divisive albums in Deep Purple's history. A product of Ian Gillan's sacking from the band and the recruitment of former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, in 1990, Slaves And Masters divided the fanbase enormously. But with four fifths of the classic MKII line-up at the helm and a desire to recapture the live feeling in the studio, that had been a hallmark of their seventies' albums, was it really the worst Deep Purple album as some fans claim? In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Deep Purple's thirteenth studio album from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Deep Purple's legacy today.

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Book SynopsisBy 1978, the landscape of pop music had changed considerably since Jethro Tull’s earlier hit albums Aqualung (1971) and Thick As A Brick (1972). Punk, disco and new wave were in and progressive rock’s heyday was over. Despite all of this, during the year of the band’s tenth anniversary, a cohesive line-up of Jethro Tull worked happily together to release the successful studio album, Heavy Horses. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Heavy Horses from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Jethro Tull’s legacy today.

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Book SynopsisReleased in 1980, bold and original, Remain In Light features a fascinating blend of African-inspired music and innovative use of recording technology. Hosting the hit single ‘Once In A Lifetime’, it was an album that commanded attention. As Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison put it, “Remain In Light was the beginning of a new vision. It was a very creative period and really amazing.” In this book, Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Remain In Light from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Talking Heads’ legacy today.

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Book SynopsisWithout doubt Ian Gillan is one of the greatest and most enduring rock singers of all time. From his early career in sixties pop band Episode Six, through to Deep Purple, as well as a brief period with Black Sabbath, he has continued to surprise and delight millions of fans around the world. Forays into unchartered territory, such as his role in the original Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as a variety of solo projects, including the jazz inspired Ian Gillan Band have proven that time and again, Ian Gillan is more than just the lead singer with Deep Purple. This publication plots his career from the early sixties through to the present day in a visual timeline that charts his extraordinary and colourful career. Digging deep into the archives we have managed to pull together a vast array of photos and imagery, much of which has never been seen before. This includes many previously unpublished photos from his days with Episode Six and beyond. Off stage and backstage photos from his early career, through to Deep Purple and his solo projects are all included, alongside on-stage photos capturing Ian doing what he does best. A Visual Biography also includes many rare items of memorabilia, including a full itinerary from the Ian Gillan Band’s 1977 Japanese tour, plus posters and cuttings that help to document over fifty years as one of rock’s most iconic frontmen.

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Book SynopsisWild Mood Swings: Disintegrating The Cure Album by Album, Martin Popoff’s innovative new project on iconic post-punk pioneers The Cure, celebrates 50 years now since key actor of the band Robert Smith got hold of his first guitar. And the form this celebration takes is a critical analysis of the band’s 13 studio albums, utilising a panel of thoughtful and engaging music critics culled from the author’s and Marco D’Auria’s video channel, The Contrarians. Presented in easy-to-read Q&A format, Martin gathers these wise music swamis into small teams with an aim toward deconstructing and reassembling each album, hopefully generating myriad new ways for the reader and Cure fan to appreciate the band’s seminal records, beginning with Three Imaginary Boys in 1979 and ending with 4:13 Dream in 2008. As bonus to the discussion, Popoff has created a detailed timeline linked to each album, echoing the format used for his many celebrated visual biographies issued through Wymer Publishing in recent years. The end result presents a fresh methodology with which to consider a band’s catalogue, with the hope being that the mix of hard chronological reference material and freewheeling opinion, review and analysis makes for a lively celebration of—and subsequent richer appreciation for—everything Robert Smith has done for millions of Cure fans around the world, much of it therapeutic, redemptive and in so many inspiring instances, urgently life-saving.

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Book SynopsisAn updated version of Loud 'n' Proud: Fifty Years of Nazareth, drawing on copious images and items of memorabilia, this large format 240-page book is a treasure trove for Nazareth devotees — crammed full of live and off stage shots that portray the band’s journey through the decades. It also includes loads of super cool memorabilia including backstage passes, gig posters, media adverts and much more, all reproduced on high quality art paper. From the early days of the seventies through to the current day, nestling alongside the wonderful imagery, the band’s whole career is documented by esteemed rock writer Martin Popoff who was assisted through the whole narrative by Nazareth’s founder and only remaining original member Pete Agnew. Popoff also interviewed Agnew for the book in addition to previous interviews the author has conducted, not only with the bass player extraordinaire but with many other band members past and present, all neatly laid out in a timeline, making this the essential go to Nazareth book.

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Book SynopsisAfter their last studio album in 1991 and the tour that followed it, fans have eagerly awaited a Dire Straits reunion ever since. Whilst the likelihood of that remains incredibly slim, this book is a celebration of the band and their amazing musical accomplishments — with 'Sultans Of Swing', 'Private Investigations' and 'Money For Nothing' being just the tip of the iceberg! From the early days of playing at London's Hope & Anchor in 1977, to the dizzying heights of the 1985-86 Brothers In Arms tour and beyond, this book documents it all. With vintage interviews and reviews aplenty, the story of Dire Straits is one that needs to be told and this mammoth book is the most comprehensive biography of the band yet published. Not only is the band’s story covered in detail through the narrative — this lavish coffee table book is also visually stunning — printed on high quality art paper and illustrated throughout with numerous photos and items of memorabilia making this a highly desirable Dire Straits collectible.

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Book SynopsisThe remarkable story ofSwedish singer and songwriter?and two-time Eurovision winner?Loreen Loreen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, to Moroccan Berber parents, and rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with her song ?Euphoria.? Following her Eurovision success, Loreen released her debut album Heal in 2012. The album showcased her unique sound, characterized by a blend of pop, dance, and electronic elements, and received incredible reviews from critics. Loreen also won the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest held in Liverpool England with her song "Tattoo." Loreen?s victory at Eurovision 2023 brought her international recognition and established her as a prominent pop artist. ?Tattoo? had become a massive hit across Europe and topped the charts in several countries. Loreen?s powerful vocals, captivated audiences and made her performance one of the most memorable in Eurovision history. Loreen has been an advocate for various causes, including human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her outspokenness on these issues has further endeared her to her fans and demonstrated her commitment to using her platform for positive change. This is her story

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Book SynopsisThis is Taylor Swift, as a bona-fide fashion goddess. Diveinto Taylor Swift: Fashion Manifesto' and discover, through an array of stunningimages, the depths of her style evolution and fashion journey. What better way to tell her lively fashion story than through this visual journeyspanning the course of her stardom.

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Book SynopsisVon der Song-Idee zur Hitsingle: In diesem Buch finden Sie alles, was Sie wissen müssen, um mit Ihrem Song in der Musikindustrie Erfolg zu haben. Finden Sie den Stil, Rhythmus und Reim, der zu Ihrem Genre passt, und fesseln Sie Ihre Zuhörer mit eingängigen Texten und unvergesslichen Melodien. Mit vielen Übungen und Beispielen unterstützen die Autoren Sie bei den grundlegenden, kreativen Elementen des Songwriting, aber auch bei dem, was danach kommt: Demotape, Online-Marketing, digitale Downloads, Urheberrecht, Verträge, Agenten und Plattenfirmen - so lernen Sie, wie Sie mit Ihren Werken die größten Erfolge erzielen können.Table of ContentsÜber die Autoren 7 Vorwort 19 Einführung 21 Teil I: Sie wollen also Songwriter werden 25 Kapitel 1: Finden Sie ein Goldstück und lassen Sie es strahlen! 27 Kapitel 2: Die verschiedenen Genres: von Country über Folk und Blues bis hin zum Rock 53 Kapitel 3: Die Ausarbeitung: Bringen Sie Ihren Song in Form! 75 Teil II: Entfesseln Sie den Dichter, der in Ihnen steckt 95 Kapitel 4: Am besten, die Sache hat einen Haken! 97 Kapitel 5: Wie Sie Ihre Hörer mit guten Texten beeindrucken 113 Kapitel 6: Über den Text zu seiner eigenen Stimme finden 135 Kapitel 7: Wie man gute Reime macht 161 Teil III: Schreiben Sie Musik, die man nie wieder vergisst! 181 Kapitel 8: Herzschlag der Musik – der Rhythmus 183 Kapitel 9: Musiker als Magier der Melodien 197 Kapitel 10: Wie man beim Songwriting Akkorde benutzt 215 Kapitel 11: Gut geblufft ist halb gewonnen: allerlei technische Hilfsmittel, Tricks und Gimmicks 227 Teil IV: Zusammenfinden, zusammenarbeiten, zusammenschließen 243 Kapitel 12: Talente zusammenführen: Teamgründung und Networking 245 Kapitel 13: Online-Marketing und soziale Netzwerke für Songwriter 263 Kapitel 14: Songwriting für Bühne, Kinoleinwand, TV und Radio 275 Kapitel 15: Wie Sie sich Gehör verschaffen: das Demo 291 Teil V: Des Künstlers Alter Ego – der Geschäftsmann 315 Kapitel 16: Ziele setzen, Termine festlegen! 317 Kapitel 17: Wie Sie Musiknoten in Banknoten verwandeln 327 Kapitel 18: Das Geschäftsteam – die klugen Helferlein des Songwriters 339 Kapitel 19: Der juristische Teil samt allem Papierkram 357 Teil VI: Der Top-Ten-Teil 371 Kapitel 20: Zehn Songs, die man kennen sollte 373 Kapitel 21: Zehn Singer/Songwriter, die man kennen sollte 379 Abbildungsverzeichnis 385 Stichwortverzeichnis 387

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Book SynopsisThis fourth volume of J P E Hartmann og hans kreds. En komponistfamilies breve 1780-1900 (J.P.E. Hartmann and his Circle. The Correspondence of a Composer Family 1780-1900) contains hitherto unknown letters which have been privately owned until now. The particular focus is on J P E Hartmann's son Emil Hartmann and his struggle for recognition as a composer and not because of his relatives. The letters elucidate this struggle and provide a wealth of information on both the everyday life and the musical scene in the second half of the 19th century in which Emil Hartmann travelled a great deal in Germany where he was a well-known figure. Thus, letters from German celebrities, such as Richard Strauss and Max Bruch are included.

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Book SynopsisThere's no denying that throughout the 1970s, Jethro Tull were at the top of their game. With iconic albums such as Aqualung (1971), Thick As A Brick (1972), Songs From The Wood (1977) and Heavy Horses (1978) to their credit, the band had majestically earned their place as vital pioneers and contributors within the spectrum of progressive rock music. By the 1980s, the popularity of progressive rock had declined amongst the record-buying public. Any band wishing to continue the success they had enjoyed throughout the previous decade couldn't afford to rest on their laurels. And so arises an essential question: How did Jethro Tull fare in the 1980s? Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL provides a detailed exploration into each of Jethro Tull's albums from the eighties, offering a critical analysis of the band's achievements, challenges, and sound.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A] moving and frequently comical memoir."--The Tennessean"Co-author Ellen Wright has skillfully assembled and corroborated Stoneman's narratives. . . . Stoneman's story is crammed with her personality, full of funny anecdotes about her family and other performers with whom she worked, all wrapped in her hillborn cussedness."--No Depression"It is a gripping and well-told tale, and Stoneman's can-do spirit, which helped her rise above daunting personal and professional challenges, should inspire all readers."--Library Journal"[An] engrossing narrative [that retains] all of Roni's personality, humor, and compassion. Roni conveys emotion powerfully, and there were some parts of the book that were so painfully sad I had to stop reading. But I couldn't stay away long, wanting to get back to the parts where she made me laugh out loud."--Bluegrass Unlimited"[For country music fans] it's another eye-opener. Praise goes to [Stoneman and Wright] for their excellent input on this latest volume in the University of Illinois Press series Music in American Life."--Nashville Musician“Pressing On is an Appalachian Angela’s Ashes told from a female perspective. It tells the story of Roni Stoneman’s private and public life with remarkable and appealing candor. It is a book full of unfolding revelations, told with a sense of humor, and without an ounce of self-pity. Her story is entertaining at times, heartbreaking at others, but always compelling.”--Sandy L. Ballard, editor of Appalachian Journal“This is a unique book: the authentic story, in her own voice, of a woman who was once one of America’s most widely known entertainers. There will never be another Roni Stoneman, and there will never be another book like this one.”--Elinor Langer, author of Josephine Herbst"We already knew Roni as a first-rate banjo player and comic. This book reveals her as a sharp, observant, thinking woman, and a captivating storyteller."--Murphy Henry, banjo player and columnist for Banjo Newsletter and Bluegrass Unlimited "Told in a no-holds-barred, earthy style, Pressing On is a remarkable read."--Country Music People "Ellen Wright lets Stoneman's raw voice and warm personality come through in every paragraph of the kaleidoscope, and the result is a memorable journey through back stages and bars, recording studios, bedrooms and TV soundstages, from the Appalachian mountains to Alaska and back, from joy to grief and back."--Blue Ridge Country

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSuperb! Very inspired material eloquently written. Stanley Ritchie explains each movement of Bach's solo violin Sonatas and Partitas with such clarity and understanding in the thought process without being in any way 'dry'. * Stringendo AUSTA *For any violinist, this book is a practical delight. It deserves to join the great works by Leopold Mozart, Editha Knocker, Leopold Auer, Pierre Baillot, Joseph Szigeti, and their peers, which are on every serious player's shelf. * Fontes Artis Musicae *Table of ContentsForeword / Mauricio FuksAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Principles of InterpretationNotationPolyphonyHarmonyMetreDynamicsInequalityFingeringNote LengthBow DirectionArticulationsOrnamentation2. Dance FormsAllemandaBourée/BoreaCiacconaCorrenteGavotteGigue/GigaLoureMenuetSarabanda/SarabandeSicilianaDoublePreludio3. Analytical Methods and ExercisesG-Minor AdagioG-Minor FugaD-Minor Allemanda4. The Improvisatory MovementsG-Minor Sonata: AdagioA-Minor Sonata: Grave 5. The FuguesG-MinorA-MinorC-Major6. The Ostinato MovementsPartita II: Ciaccona Sonata III: Adagio7. The Dance-like MovementsBourée and BoreaTempo di BoreaB-Minor CorrenteD-Minor CorrenteGavotte en RondeauThe GigaThe GigueThe LoureThe MenuetsThe Sarabande and SarabandaThe B-Minor Sarabande The D-Minor Sarabanda8. The Virtuoso MovementsG-minor Sonata: PrestoB-Minor Corrente - DoubleThe A-Minor FinaleThe C-Major Allegro assaiThe E-Major Preludio9. The Philosophical MovementsThe AllemandaB-Minor PartitaD-Minor Partita10. The Lyrical MovementsThe SicilianaA-Minor Sonata: Andante The C-Major Sonata: Largo11. Right-hand TechniquePolyphonyChordal TechniqueMartelé and SpiccatoSautilléBariolageOndeggiando12. Left-hand TechniqueThe Role of VibratoHalf-PositionChoice of FingeringsIntonationTuningLast Words Bibliography

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Book SynopsisAn occasion to appreciate Dexter's resounding musical genius as well as his wish for major social transformation.Angela Y. Davis, political activist, scholar, author, and speakerSophisticated Giant presents the life and legacy of tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon (19231990), one of the major innovators of modern jazz. In a context of biography, history, and memoir, Maxine Gordon has completed the book that her late husband began, weaving his solo turns with her voice and a chorus of voices from past and present. Reading like a jazz composition, the blend of research, anecdote, and a selection of Dexter's personal letters reflects his colorful life and legendary times. It is clear why the celebrated trumpet genius Dizzy Gillespie said to Dexter, Man, you ought to leave your karma to science. Dexter Gordon the icon is the Dexter beloved and celebrated on albums, on film, and in jazz lore--even in a street named for him in Copenhagen. But this image of the cool jazzman fails to come to terTrade Review"Maxine Gordon astutely frames the fiery daring of Dexter Gordon’s generation of bebop innovators in the context of rising black consciousness and creative agency in midcentury America…“Sophisticated Giant” is a work of considerable sophistication, the first-person testimony of its subject employed with affectionate discipline, smartly contextualized and augmented by material from interviews Maxine Gordon conducted with the tenor saxophone masters Sonny Rollins and Jimmy Heath, the record producers Bruce Lundvall and Michael Cucsuna, and others." -- David Hajdu, * The New York Times *“Dexter Gordon’s deep tone, relaxed delivery—even the frequent witty musical quotations—seemed like extensions of his gravely playful speaking voice. That voice carries over on the page too. You can hear it when you read his written testimony and extracts from letters included in Maxine Gordon’s illuminating biography.” -- Kevin Whitehead, * NPR's Fresh Air *“‘Affectionate, enjoyable and informative, painting a portrait of a handsome, elegant, easygoing person and artist who refused to agonize about his past.” * Wall Street Journal *“A particularly intimate look at . . . career highs in this wonderful biography of the iconic jazzman. . . . Most striking for this reader was how, through her intimate, first-hand knowledge of her husband’s life, Maxine was able to convey how the art of jazz was far more than a career path for Dexter and his colleagues. “ * The Austin Chronicle *“[Gordon] displays firsthand knowledge of the political economy of jazz playing and the discrimination and grievances musicians endured...her honesty and passion bleed into her prose to create a lively and valuable look at the jazz giant and his world. Verdict: For jazz lovers first but enjoyable for general readers, too.” * Library Journal *"Throughout the book, Maxine provides rich descriptions of people, places, and events, often quoting from Dexter. Through her meticulous research, new information about him emerges. . . While meticulous about details, the author is also a good storyteller, so, aside from its scholarly discipline, the book is intriguing and leads the reader forward like an absorbing detective novel." * All About Jazz *“Maxine’s book shows us not only the world Dexter Gordon lived and breathed, but many other musicians we know, don’t know and should know. We see the reality of the Jazz world, the unthinkable hardships and struggles brought together through the common love of music. The book is incredible. Maxine Gordon is incredible. Her passion to share, explore and discuss the reality of the Jazz world is a true inspiration." * Jazz in Europe *“An informative, well-paced, suite like literary work that chronicles the saxophonist’s family, influences, inspirations, zeniths, and nadirs, and documents his legacy as one of the most influential saxophonists in jazz history.” -- Eugene Holley Jr., * Publishers Weekly *"Gordon’s life has previously been chronicled, but not with so much of his own achingly personal, brutally honest voice. Sophisticated Giant is not a critical analysis of his music; instead, Maxine has interwoven Dexter’s own letters and poetry with a broad spectrum of anecdotal accounts, plus her own meticulous scholarship and adoring reflections, to craft a vivid life story. . . . This is a must-read for jazz fans." * Jazz Times *"Blending forensic research with scholarly insight, Sophisticated Giant’s compelling story unfurls like one of Gordon’s sinuous sax solos. Essential reading for jazz fans." * Record Collector *“Dexter Gordon left us almost three decades ago, but his presence in 2018 has virtually brought him back to center stage." * All About Jazz *“There’s a major new biography out of saxophonist Dexter Gordon, and it’s worth checking out.” * Stereogum *“When I say that this is essential reading for anyone interested in modern jazz from the late thirties on, you'd better believe it!. . . . Tell your own true love that, this year, you don't want any more partridges in a pear tree, lords a-leaping or even five golden rings. No, what you want for Christmas this year is (apart from him/her) a Sophisticated Giant.” * bebop spoken here *“Offers a rare vantage point into the life of one of jazz’s most cherished figures.” * Jazziz *“Easy-to-read, well-written, superbly documented, much-anticipated. . . . One unique thing about the book is that it makes you feel like you are there with her listening to her talk, about her time in the jazz world with some of the best musicians on earth. But just when you get used to her writing like an excited jazz fan, she easily switches to a keen researcher and a solid scholar.” * Jazz Corner *“Maxine Gordon's recently released book ‘Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Times of Dexter Gordon’ is no ordinary jazz biography. It is a book that transports you into the reality of a Jazz musicians’ life, the highs and lows, the hardships and the inexplicable power of Jazz – beautifully written by an author whose passion for ensuring Dexter’s story is told honestly, is inspiring. Dexter Gordon was indeed a ‘Sophisticated Giant’ but when you read the book, you can’t help but feel there are actually two sophisticated giants here.” * The Jazz Room @ Style Quarterly Magazine *"Exceptional. . . . Maxine Gordon believes that 'the story of Dexter's life is nothing less than a cultural history of creative Black Americans in the interwar and postwar years.' In Sophisticated Giant, she's written a book that reflects this important truth." * New York City Jazz Record *“Sophisticated Giant paints a convincing picture of an extremely charming, intelligent, resilient, and talented man." * Arts Fuse *“This is a story that had to be told.” * KUVO/KVJZ *“An intimate, keenly-rendered new biography that will interest jazz enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in American popular culture. . . . It’s a warm, subjective story that trains an astute lens on the social and political circumstances that helped shape a career; and for that, it stand outs as a landmark contribution to the literature of the jazz.” * Seattle Times *“A work that’s both scrupulously researched history and intimate memoir.” * MOJO *Table of Contents1. The Saga of Society Red 1 2. An Uncommon Family 13 3. Education of an Eastside Altar Boy 26 4. Leaving Home 35 5. Pops 44 6. Blowin’ the Blues Away 51 7. Business Lessons 62 8. Mischievous Lady 77 9. Central Avenue Bop 87 10. Trapped 99 11. Resurgence 113 12. New Life 120 13. Very Saxily Yours 134 14. Trouble in Paris 144 15. The Khalif of Valby 155 16. Homecoming 167 17. Bebop at Work 179 18. Round Midnight 191

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Book SynopsisAfrican Rhythms is the autobiography of the important jazz pianist, composer and band leader Randy Weston. He tells of his childhood in Brooklyn, his six decades long musical career, his time living in Morocco, and his lifelong quest to learn about the musical and cultural traditions of Africa.Trade Review“. . . Part memoir, part travelogue, part philosophical treatise. Mr. Weston is especially informative about how he briefly fled New York in his early 20s to escape the drug scene that was becoming endemic among young jazzmen, as well as about the making of classic albums like Uhuru Africa and Blue Moses." -- Will Friedwald * Wall Street Journal *“African Rhythms is perhaps the next truly wonderful jazz autobiography. It succeeds so fully not because of hyperbole or personality but because Weston—a pianist and composer criminally underappreciated even among serious jazz fans—has a unique musical story to tell. This story is highly recommended to jazz listeners, in large part, because it makes you want to dive back into one of the most gripping discographies in the music. . . . If you haven’t heard Weston’s music, really listened to it, then African Rhythms is the strongest possible incentive to tune in. Is there any higher praise for a book about music than that it got you to start listening?” -- Will Layman * PopMatters *“No one has done more to explore and celebrate the African roots of jazz than pianist/composer Randy Weston. Weston demonstrates a pride in his ancestry and culture that is both the primary source of his artistic inspiration and the central theme that suffuses this fascinating autobiography. . . . Weston refers to himself as ‘a storyteller through music’ rather than a jazz musician. He's unsurpassed as a goodwill ambassador.” -- Jay Trachtenberg * Austin Chronicle *“Now in his 80’s, Weston, in this book, sounds eternally optimistic and full of wonder about his life. He comes off as joyous and spiritual as his music. Reading this is enough to make you want to dig out whatever Weston CDs you might have and listen to them again with a greater understanding of what went into the music. This book is worthy of his expansive talents.” -- Jerome Wilson * Cadence *“Randy Weston is a monumental figure in contemporary jazz, a man whose creativity remains undimmed at the age of 83. He is a living link with the golden era of the 1950s and 60s, a time during which trailblazing musicians and revolutionary thinkers wholly energised African-American arts and politics. As this absolutely fascinating biography reveals, Weston. . . has lived a very full life that has seen him not only excel as a musician but also make hugely important cultural and political statements that had the intent and effect of uplifting blacks in America during a time of second class citizenship. A recurrent theme in the text is thus Weston’s focus on concrete initiatives to improve civil rights. . . . Essential reading for anybody interested in learning something of a great man as well as a great musician.” -- Kevin La Gendre * Jazzwise *“Randy Weston knows more about jazz and more about Africa than most of us. Hence this book—more musical, philosophical and spiritual, with a more personal voice than most jazz autobiographies—is loaded with knowledge and insights about both topics. . . . From Stearns to the Gnawa musician healers of Morocco, from poet Langston Hughes to Dizzy Gillespie, Weston’s fascinating journey is well worth the read.” -- George Kanzler * All About Jazz *“Weston has dedicated his life to spreading African music throughout the world and forging a bond with his identity as an African American musician. African Rhythms ably recounts his sometimes arduous journey to becoming a true cross-cultural ambassador.” -- Jon Ross * DownBeat *Table of ContentsArranger's Preface / Willard Jenkins xi Acknowledgments xix Introduction 1 1. Origins 5 2. Growing Up in Brooklyn 18 3. The Scene Shifts to the Pacific 28 4. Postwar: Escaping the Panic 37 5. Post-Berkshires: Succumbing to the Irresistible Lure 55 6. Enter Melba Liston 70 7. Uhuru Afrika: Freedom Africa 82 8. Making the Pilgrimage 102 9. Touring the Motherland 114 10. Making a Home in Africa 135 11. Connecting with the Gnawa 171 12. Building a Life in Tangier: The African Rhythm Club 183 13. Festival Blues, Then Divine Intervention: Blue Moses 194 14. Post Morroco and the Ellington Connection 206 15. Compositions and Sessions 220 16. The African Rhythms Quintet 235 17. The African Queen 252 18. The Adventures of Randy Weston 262 19. Ancient Future 278 Conclusion: Randy Weston ... Philosophically Yours 299 Discography 305 Awards and Citations 323 Index 325

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Book SynopsisFinalist, 2024Lesbian Memoir/Biography, Lambda Literary Award for Arts and Culture Winner — Walter & Lillian Lowenfels Criticism Award, 45th Annual American Book Awards, Before Columbus FoundationA queer, Black “biography in essays” about the performer who gave us “Hound Dog,” “Ball and Chain,” and other songs that changed the course of American music. Born in Alabama in 1926, raised in the church, appropriated by white performers, buried in an indigent’s grave—Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton''s life events epitomize the blues—but Lynnée Denise pushes past the stereotypes to read Thornton’s life through a Black, queer, feminist lens and reveal an artist who was an innovator across her four-decade-long career. Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters “samples” elements of Thornton’s art—and, occasionally, the author’s own story—to create “a biography in essays” that explores the life of its subject as a DJ might dig through a crate of records. Denise connects Thornton’s vaudevillesque performances in Sammy Green’s Hot Harlem Revue to the vocal improvisations that made “Hound Dog” a hit for Peacock Records (and later for Elvis Presley), injecting music criticism into what’s often framed as a cautionary tale of record-industry racism. She interprets Thornton’s performing in men’s suits as both a sly, Little Richard–like queering of the Chitlin Circuit and a simple preference for pants over dresses that didn’t have a pocket for her harmonica. Most radical of all, she refers to her subject by her given name rather than 'Big Mama,' a nickname bestowed upon her by a white man. It''s a deliberate and crucial act of reclamation, because in the name of Willie Mae Thornton is the sound of Black musical resilience. Trade ReviewDenise offers a desperately-needed corrective in this volume about the art, life, and legacy of Thornton, whose song “Hound Dog” (later recorded by Elvis) changed the course of American music. A standout installment in the University of Texas Press’s always great Music Matters series. * The Millions *The enigmatically intelligent and scholarly productive thinker, Lynnée Denise, who has made strides in Black realms of music for well over a decade is now presenting a new book. Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters gives an honest and incredibly bright examination of the relevance of Big Mama Thornton. * The New York Amsterdam News *Denise uses shrewd music criticism and a Black, queer, feminist lens, to reintroduce Thornton as a performer who transcended gender norms . . . Denise’s thoughtful reimagination of Thornton’s career pays tribute to a woman that embodied Black creation and resilience. * Alternative Press *Impressive research and thoughtful commentary illuminate the life and career of Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton (1926–84) in this eloquent volume...What emerges is a portrait of an extraordinary woman who influenced later blues, rock, and pop music performers such as Janis Joplin...An engaging and well-written must-read with generous resources for further study. * Library Journal, starred review *Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was a Black, queer blues woman often recognized for her song, “Hound Dog,” but she was so much more. In the latest volume of the Music Matters series, Lynnée Denise rediscovers and reclaims Thornton’s life and legacy, a gift to us all. * Ms. Magazine *Denise reintroduces Thornton as a performer who transcended genres and gender norms. * The 19th *Denise effectively delivers perhaps her most salient point: Who is authorized to convey the story of these Black musicians? * The Austin Chronicle *Table of Contents Introduction Mothering the Blues The Black South Matters Sisters of the Dirty Blues White Boy Magic and the Making of Genre Grown Little Girls, Tomboy Women, and Black Radio Don’t Ask Me No More about Elvis California Love / California Dreamin’ Willie Mae inna England Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine Mixtapes, White Biographers, and Black Blues People Saved by the Amazing Grace of Mahalia Jackson A Jailed Sassy Mama The ’80s Blackness of Willie Mae’s Blues Epilogue Acknowledgments Sources and References

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Book Synopsis2022 Belmont Award for the Best Book on Country Music, International Country Music Conference/Belmont UniversityNew and expanded biography of one of country music's most celebrated singer-songwriters.Merle Haggard enjoyed numerous artistic and professional triumphs, including more than a hundred country hits (thirty-eight at number one), dozens of studio and live album releases, upwards of ten thousand concerts, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and songs covered by artists as diverse as Lynryd Skynyrd, Elvis Costello, Tammy Wynette, Bobby Blue Bland, Willie Nelson, the Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan.In The Running Kind, a new edition that expands on his earlier analysis and covers Haggard''s death and afterlife as an icon of both old-school and modern country music, David Cantwell takes us on a revelatory journey through Haggard's music and the life and times out of which it came. Covering the breadth of his career, Cantwell focuses especTrade ReviewCantwell captures why Haggard's best-known songs still matter while never shying away from honest critiques of weaker selections that never made it into the classic country canon. Ultimately, this warts-and-all look at a half-century-spanning back catalog gives its subject his due. * Wide Open Country *Sharp-eyed and sharp-eared insight...abounds in [Cantwell's] book...The Running Kind paints Merle Haggard in a broad and nuanced American cultural landscape, rather than the tight corners that Nixon, the counterculture, country fans, and Haggard himself frequently painted him into. * New York Journal of Books *If you want to read the definitive book on Merle Haggard, this is the one...The beauty of Cantwell’s book lies in his in-depth, astute, and entertaining close readings of Hag’s songs and the covers of those songs by others, from Dylan to Bobby 'Blue' Bland. * No Depression *A remarkable book by one of Merle's most astute scholars. * Lawyers, Guns & Money *In essays on the songs, eras and influences that shaped Haggard’s life and legacy, Cantwell makes a case for Haggard's genius not by leaving out the contradictions that are evident in his work, but by shining a light on them. * Holler *Table of ContentsIntroduction. “Silver Wings”: Kansas City, Missouri, September 14, 2001 1. “Hungry Eyes,” 1969 2. The Roots of His Raising 3. “Mama Tried,” 1968 4. Toward the Bad He Kept on Turnin’ 5. He Loves Them So: A Playlist of Early Influences 6. “Leonard,” 1981 7. The Bakersfield Sound and Fury 8. Someone Told His Story in a Song 9. “I Started Loving You Again,” 1968 10. The Legend of Bonnie and Him 11. “Sing Me Back Home,” 1967 12. They Won’t Let His Secret Go Untold 13. He’s Living in the Good Old Days: Countrypolitan, Country Soul, Country Rock 14. “Workin’ Man Blues,” 1969 15. He Likes Living Right and Being Free 16. “Irma Jackson,” 1969 17. His Fightin’ Side 18. He’d Rather Be Gone 19. “It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad),” 1972 20. He Wishes He Was Santa Claus 21. Merle Loves Dolly 22. Songs He’ll Always Sing 23. He Takes a Lot of Pride in What He Is (Hint: He’s a White Boy) 24. “A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today,” 1977 25. His Country Girl with Hot Pants On 26. He’s Always on a Mountain When He Falls 27. “Rainbow Stew,” 1981 28. He Wishes a Buck Was Still Silver (Not Really) and Likes the Taste of Yesterday’s Wine (Really) 29. “Kern River,” 1985 30. He’s Going Where the Lonely Go 31. “Me and Crippled Soldiers,” 1990 32. The Hag versus the Man in Black 33. He’ll Never Be Gone? Merle Haggard in the Twenty-First Century 34. “If I Could Only Fly,” 2001 Epilogue. Cuba, Missouri: July 15, 2010 Acknowledgments Selected Discography Selected Bibliography Index

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