Description
Book SynopsisQuestlove collects the 500 songs that have changed not just popular music, but also the worldQuestlove'sMusic Is Historyis an in-depth look into the 500 most influential songs in the history of music. Most famously known as a the drummer and joint frontman for the Grammy Award-winning band The Roots, Questlove is also an astute musicologist and voracious historian. In this book, Questlove dives into musical history from every decade of twentieth century, choosing one essential track from each year. The author thoughtfully and insightfully unpacks each song's cultural significance by placing it in its historical context, discussing real world events that shaped both the song's creation and its lasting impact. Analyses of iconic classics like Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder include tangents into the histories of science, politics, and pop culture. Questlove moves fluidly from the personal to the political, from Curtis Mayfield to the history of Black representation in cinema to musings on th
Trade Review“Music Is History is an entertaining, informative and far-reaching work, meticulously excavating American culture and history with the eye of a seasoned cratedigger.” * The Washington Post *
“This inspired volume continues Questlove’s thoughtful and thought-provoking work and is an enduring analysis of the effects of music on personal, political, and cultural histories.” * Library Journal STARRED Review *
“Questlove’s in-depth, witty, creative, personal, and authoritative musical history will keep people reading, listening, questioning, and musing for many years to come." * Booklist *
“A palimpsestic, personal, and resonant journey with a living musical encyclopedia.” * Kirkus *
“This stimulating work is sure to attract deep thinkers and music theorists everywhere.” * Publishers Weekly *
