Description
Book Synopsis The story of American popular music is steeped in social history, race, gender and class, its evolution driven by ephemeral connection to young audiences. From Benny Goodman to Sinatra to Elvis Presley to the Beatles, pop icons age out of the art form while new musical styles pass from relevance to nostalgia within a few years. At the same time, perennial forms like blues, jazz and folk are continually rediscovered by new audiences.
This book traces the development of American music from its African roots to the juke joint, club and concert hall, revealing a culture perpetually reinventing itself to suit the next generation.
Trade ReviewBrian Q. Torff brings the rhythm of his bass to his writing and offers valuable lessons in how to listen to music and appreciate what you hear on multiple levels."—Marc Myers, JazzWax.com "Brian Q. Torff has been a master of the beat for many years, collaborating with some of the greatest masters of American music. He now shares what he has learned in this insightful book. I highly recommend it."—Ted Gioia, author,
The History of Jazz and Music: A Subversive History "It's impossible to imagine America without Black culture and Black music. Brian does a great job of telling the story of how Black music and America are intertwined."—Touré, author of
Nothing Compares 2 U: An Oral History of PrinceTable of Contents
- Table of Contents
- Preface
- Prologue: Music for a Pandemic
- 1. How We Listen
- 2. Listen Up, Africa!
- 3. Framing a Jazz and Blues Century
- 4. The South, Elvis, and the Dawning of Rock and Roll
- 5. Say It Loud: Black Music in the 1960s
- 6. Bob Dylan and the American Voice
- 7. Beatles, Stones, and Cultural Amnesia
- 8. Pistols at Dawn: Janis, Jim, and Jimi
- 9. Rebels: The Authentic Lives of Women in Music
- 10. No Time to Get Cute in the '70s
- 11. Post-Authentic World: Your CEO Rock Star
- 12. The Music and Art Spirit
- Epilogue
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
