Mendelson, Aaron. American R & B. Twenty
First Century see Millbrook 64p $26.13 978-0-7613-4501-5 2013 ms/hs E-BNS series: American Music Milestones Nonfiction
The origin
and history of rhythm
and blues (R & B) includes photographs, quotations, definitions, and brief snippets of biographical data on the
plethora of singers who contributed to this popular style. It is difficult to imagine how Aaron Mendelson could successfully
condense the history of R & B (rhythm and blues) into one small volume, but succeed he did on a
grand scale! The highlights of this
volume are numerous. For example, he
defined new words immediately for effective vocabulary instruction. In addition, the photographs are masterful
and the layout is upbeat, befitting the genre of music. The colors are warm and inviting. His anecdotal information is spot on, and the
biographical information is both informative and fascinating. Did you know Al Green was a preacher(page 11)? Sam Cooke was in the Civil Rights
movement (p. 13), and Little Richard quit music to
go to Bible College(p.15)! All of the
contributing musical genres are
enumerated here in one form or another.
Blues, gospel and doo-wop are among the forms that are defined. Naturally, the author could not fit in every singer and photograph of the era, but teenagers will find something to enjoy here. The first chapter features the history of R & B, followed by these chapters: “Motor
City Music”, “Soul
Power”, “Transformation”, and “Into
the Future”.
For contemporary music listeners who can download songs (which every
teenager can do!), there is a “Must
Download Playlist” at the end of each chapter!
The extra features at the end of the book are among the most comprehensive
imaginable: a glossary, a timeline, mini
bios, R & B must-haves, major awards, source notes, bibliographies and a
thorough index.
Rhythm
and blues --Martha Squaresky
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