Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians since 1990

A valuable addition to the Bakers Biographical Dictionary family, this A-Z biographical reference includes more than 550 entries focusing on artists active from 1990-the present. Individual artists and groups in all popular styles are covered, including those in rock, rhythm and blues, rap, country, electronica, jazz, vocal and classical. Some of the artists featured include:

• Blink-182
• Creed
• Destinys Child
• Dixie Chicks
• Moby
• Dolly Parton
• Mandy Patinkin
• Phish
• Radiohead
• Shakira
• Bruce Springsteen
• Tool

Features include select discographies, bibliographies, a glossary of musical terms, a genre index and more. Appendix essays include:

• Grunge: A Brief History of a Hard Rock Genre
• Raps Emergence into the Mainstream|
• |The Transformation of Commercial Radio|
• |The Music Industry: Economics, Marketing, and New Artist Development|

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Grade 9 Up–This up-to-date work expands on Nicolas Slonimsky's Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (Schirmer, 2000), focusing on artists who have made an impact on the music scene since 1990, "who are likely to have staying power." Attention is also paid to veterans who continue to make a mark in music (Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Rod Stewart). Entries on a sampling of classical or ethnic artists are included. Each biographical sketch consists of a short introduction, a listing of important dates, and best-selling albums and hit songs since 1990, followed by an account of the artist's career. The one- to three-page entries end with a selective discography, a bibliography of related books, and Web sites. The contributors do not shy away from speaking frankly about any controversies surrounding the artists; Eminem's notoriety is discussed, as is Melissa Etheridge's involvement with gay and lesbian issues. While the contributors are notable for their vast experience in music criticism, there is a factual error in the Gloria Estefan article regarding her comeback appearance after her tour bus accident. "Sidelight" boxes focus on significant songs or events of the era; there are no see references. The four signed essays in the appendix address topics such as grunge and rap, and changes in the music industry since 1990. The index is comprehensive. This reference work will be well used by researchers and by browsers.–Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
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Featuring 583 essays that vary in length from 500 to 2,000 words and have been written by critics, professors of popular culture, and experts on various genres of current music, Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians since 1990 is a companion to the six-volume Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians: Centennial Edition (2000). While the Centennial Edition focused on classical music, there is extensive coverage in the new set of contemporary rock, pop, country, hip-hop and R & B. Popular musicians from other genres are also treated, among them Danny Elfman, the Chieftains, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, and Stephen Sondheim. The writing style is refreshing in its accessibility to a broad range of readers.

"Since 1990" means just that. Gladys Knight is omitted because she had little commercial success during the period, but the Beatles, who have not existed as a band since 1970, are included because of the release of their three Anthology CDs, the discovery of two unreleased songs, and the death of George Harrison. All entries include biographical information and an evaluation of the subject's career and style of music. Boxed sidebars called "Spotlight" describe songs, albums, or events that have been particularly significant to a genre or an artist; for example the Farm Aid concerts. The length of the entries reflects length of careers. All begin with birth dates and birthplace of the subject(s), genre, best-selling album since 1990, and a list of hit songs since 1990. Discographies are selective and include both pre- and post-1990 recordings. If there are other readings available on a subject, a bibliography is provided along with an official Web site. In cases of artists who are also actors, such as Ice Cube, there is also a selective filmography. The appendix is a collection of essays discussing grunge, rap, commercial radio, and the music industry since 1990. There is an index by genre in addition to a general index. More than 100 photographs illustrate the text.

Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians since 1990 is a worthwhile purchase for public, high-school and academic libraries. RBB
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