Spanish Peaks Library District

All Roots Lead to Rock tells the story of a group of "couldabeens, hasbeens, shouldabeens," and just plain "weres" to show the many different influences that came together to make the mighty musical stew we call rock 'n' roll. The family tree of rock 'n' roll has many branches. And the roots are often lost in the dusky soil - far from view of even the most loyal listeners. So today's fans of Marilyn Manson may only be vaguely familiar with the original...

Combining firsthand reporting with historical research, provides a musical history of the birth of rock 'n' roll in the black juke joints where James Brown and B.B. King got their start.

Chronicles the big band, swing, jazz, blues, gospel, and country music that became popular during the World War II era; and profiles the entertainers, record companies, and radio stations that brought them to the fans.

A history of rock and roll music from its beginnings in rhythm and blues to the present day, including a discussion of the electric guitar, and rock star Elvis Presley.

For almost half a century, Amiri Baraka has ranked among the most important commentators on African American music and culture. In this brilliant assemblage of his writings on music, the first such collection in nearly twenty years, Baraka blends autobiography, history, musical analysis, and political commentary to recall the sounds, people, times, and places he's encountered. As in his earlier classics, Blues People and Black Music, Baraka offers...

"Ambitious and groundbreaking, Electric Shock tells the story of popular music, from the birth of recording in the 1890s to the digital age, from the first pop superstars of the twentieth century to the omnipresence of music in our lives, in hit singles, ringtones and on Spotify. Over that time, popular music has transformed the world in which we live. Its rhythms have influenced how we walk down the street, how we face ourselves in the mirror, and...

"Dolly Parton's success as a performer and pop culture phenomenon has overshadowed her achievements as a songwriter. But she sees herself as a songwriter first, and with good reason. Parton's compositions like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene" have become American standards with an impact far beyond country music. Lydia R. Hamessley's expert analysis and Parton's characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process,...

Produced in association with the Smithsonian and including images from The National Music Museum in South Dakota, Music: The Definitive Visual History guides readers through the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, discussing not just Western classical music, but music from all around the world. Profiles the lives of groundbreaking musicians from Mozart to Elvis, takes an in-depth look at the history and function of various instruments,...

""The only art I'll ever study is stuff that I can steal from." --David Bowie // Three years before David Bowie died, he shared a list of 100 books that changed his life. His choices span fiction and nonfiction, literary and irreverent, and include timeless classics alongside eyebrow-raising obscurities. // In 100 short essays, music journalist John O'Connell studies each book on Bowie's list and contextualizes it in the artist's life and work. How...