Country (American Popular Music) - Hardcover

Carlin, Richard

9780816053124: Country (American Popular Music)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 081605312X ISBN 13: 9780816053124

Publisher: Facts on File, 2005

American popular music reflects a rich cultural diversity. From Aaron Copland to Miles Davis to Elvis Presley to Muddy Waters, the United States has produced some of the most influential and beloved musicians and performers of the 20th century. The blues, jazz, and rock and roll - musical genres loved around the world - were born here, and American composers, producers, singers, and songwriters have crafted a unique heritage in other genres such as classical and folk. American Popular Music, a new eight-volume set, celebrates American music by presenting a wealth of information on seven major musical branches. Each comprehensive book provides the perfect, one-stop starting point for research in each musical field.

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About the Author:

Richard Carlin is the author of several books on folk, country, and traditional music. He worked for Folkways Records as an independent producer from 1975 to 1980, and is currently Executive Editor for Music at Pearson Prentice Hall. He lives in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.

From Booklist:

Country is a volume in the Facts On File American Popular Music set, which also includes the volumes Blues, Classical, Folk, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, and a comprehensive index. This set is designed to provide concise information on genres of music important to U.S. culture, and is written for readers from grades nine and up.

Country emphasizes current stars but does have some articles on historical aspects of the genre, as well as on related genres such as bluegrass and gospel music.

Approximately 400 entries cover personalities, key performances and events, recordings, musical instruments, essential publications, hit songs, historical and social issues, recording companies, and organizations. Entries are arranged alphabetically, are 100 to 500 words long, and are cross-referenced. Users will also find a selection of photographs of performers, composers, or musical instruments. Unfortunately, there are only about 55 photographs, and the targeted audience would benefit from far more--at least photos of all of the artists covered. The appendixes are a chronology of major events arranged by year, a list of selected recordings to supplement the reading, a short selection of Web sites, and DVD and video recordings. Carlin ends the book with a glossary of musical terms and a list of further readings. The listings for Web sites should have been more inclusive of music downloads and podcasts for the genres, considering the numbers of iPods or MP3 players sold each year to the intended audience.

Since country music appears to be growing in popularity and attracting audiences of all ages, this and other volumes in the set would be a welcome yet not essential purchase for secondary-school and public libraries. Lisa Johnston
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

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