Ed Ward covers the first half of the history of rock roll in this sweeping and definitive narrativemdash;from the 1920s; when the music of rambling medicine shows mingled with the songs of vaudeville and minstrel acts to create the very early sounds of country and rhythm and blues; to the rise of the first independent record labels post-World War II; and concluding in December 1963; just as an immense change in the airwaves took hold and the Beatles prepared for their first American tour. The History of Rock Roll; Volume 1 shines a light on the far corners of the genre to reveal the stories behind the hugely influential artists who changed the musical landscape forever.In this first volume of a two-part series; Ward shares his endless depth of knowledge and through engrossing storytelling hops seamlessly from Memphis to Chicago; Detroit; England; New York; and everywhere in between. He covers the trajectories of the big name acts like Elvis Presley; Buddy Holly; Chuck Berry; and Ray Charles; while also filling in gaps of knowledge and celebrating forgotten heroes such as the Burnette brothers; the ldquo;5rdquo; Royales; and Marion Keisker; Sam Phillipsrsquo;s assistant; who played an integral part in launching Elvisrsquo;s career.For all music lovers and rock roll fans; Ward spins story after story of some of the most unforgettable and groundbreaking moments in rock history; introducing us along the way to the musicians; DJs; record executives; and producers who were at the forefront of the genre and had a hand in creating the music we all know and love today.
#1887220 in eBooks 2016-06-21 2016-06-21File Name: B01E2H0BQ4
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Worth Waiting ForBy LeighGreat read. A balanced. thorough history that was a perfect segue to Ned Sublettes book. Very grateful Sr. Acosta had this published in English.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. 100 Years of Cuban Jazz RevisitedBy Pena ThomasWhen Leonard Acosta began conducting his research on the history of Cuban jazz 30 years ago. there were virtually no written or phonographic reference materials available in Cuba. As Acosta states. "I practically started from zero.""Practically." with the exception of one crucial fact. Acosta was an accomplished saxophonist (circa 1950s to the 1970s) and an active participant in the history of Cuban jazz.Needless to say. this paved the way for his research. which is based on 60 testimonials acquired directly from the musicians and other knowledgeable individuals.Essentially. Acosta`s objective was. "To get to know - even if only in a broad sense - the names of many of the musicians forgotten today. and to learn which bands and groups. soloists and jazz styles existed in Cuba and when. Its also important to know the places where they played. whether as part of their work or as part of that world of the jam session..."Along the way Acosta uncovered some startling revelations. For example. the legendary Chano Pozo performed as a soloist in a show presented at the Alkazar theatre with Mario Santanas jazz quartet. This implies that Chano Pozo played with jazz groups and had an understanding of jazz prior to his arrival in the U.S. - dispelling the notion that Chano Pozo was. "just another drummer who had a lucky break" (when he was introduced to Dizzy Gillespie).As the title implies. Cubano Be. Cubano Bop (100 Years of Cuban Jazz) begins with encounters between Cuban music and jazz at the turn of the last century and concludes with a chapter on the current musical trends in Cuba today.Acostas research has uncovered an enormous amount of information. which will be of invaluable assistance to writers. musicians. journalists and music aficionados.In addition. Cubano Be. Cubano Bop is a welcome addition to the bibliography of jazz as a whole.Despite the significance of his contribution. Acosta strongly feels that there is still a vacuum with respect to the history of Cuban jazz. Consequently. he is an avid supporter of ongoing research in this area.This is an indispensable read for anyone who is seriously interested in the history and development of Cuban jazz. or Latin jazz. as it is currently known.Leonard Acosta is the author of more than a dozen books on music and literary criticism. as well as fiction and poetry; he resides in Havana. Cuba.2 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Essential StarterBy Irene MoralesI have yet to finish reading this book. but it was referenced several times in my Afro-Cuban Jazz class so I bought it. If it was good enough for my very critical teacher/musician. its good enough for me. :)
