Cover Image

American R & B : Gospel grooves, funky drummers, and soul power

by Mendelson, Aaron.

Format: Print Book 2013
Availability: Available at 1 Library 1 of 1 copy

Available (1)
Location Collection Call #
Whitehall Public Library Easy Nonfiction ENF 781.644 M522
Location  Whitehall Public Library
 
Collection  Easy Nonfiction
 
Call Number  ENF 781.644 M522
 
 

Summary

A singer calls out to the crowd.
An electric bass thumps out a beat.
Horns blare and strings swirl.
These are the sounds of R & B.

Rhythm and blues music evolved from all sorts of sounds: swinging jazz, gritty blues, and African American spiritual songs. The music's smooth mix of styles made it unique, and its passionate performers made it a sensation. Ever since Ray Charles hit the charts in the 1950s, R & B fans have held it down on dance floors. And R & B singers have belted out messages of love and calls for social change.

Published Reviews
Booklist Review: "*Starred Review* It's not easy to trace the roots of rhythm and blues music, but this book in the American Music Milestones series does a fine job of doing just that, primarily through the voices of those who brought R & B to life. After a brief introduction to the genre, Ray Charles takes center stage as one of the first to use gospel music underpinnings and turn them secular. The book goes on to look at some of the biggest stars of doo-wop, girl groups, Motown, soul, funk, disco, and hip-hop. This personalized touch as a way to get to the music is a winner, and it's aided and abetted by a truly inviting format that's sophisticated yet accessible. The well-chosen photos and informative sidebars are a plus, but best of all is the periodic Must Download Playlist, written on lined notebook paper, that appears for various subsets of R & B. It's the next best thing to having a CD accompany the book. Very solid back matter, including R & B Must-Haves and a rundown of the music industry's major awards, ties a bow on the package.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist"
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Additional Information
Series American music milestones.
Subjects Soul music -- History and criticism -- Juvenile literature.
Rhythm and blues music -- History and criticism -- Juvenile literature.
Soul music.
Rhythm and blues music.
Publisher Minneapolis :Twenty-First Century Books,2013
Other Titles American rhythm & blues
Language English
Description 64 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm.
Bibliography Notes Includes bibliographical references (pages 61-62) and index.
ISBN 9780761345015 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
0761345019 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
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