Melody Maker History of 20th Century Popular Music

Since its launch in 1926, MELODY MAKER has encouraged the progression and evolution of musical styles, genres and artists, and has been a pioneer in the fight for racial and sexual equality within the industry. In doing so, it has played a seminal role in the history of music. The MELODY MAKER HISTORY OF 20TH-CENTURY POPULAR MUSIC traces that history through the paper's pages, and has been written with its full co-operation and unfettered access to its vast archives. The book is the first ever to relate the story of music as it was told at the time, without the benefit of hindsight, instead of as it is remembered. It is also the first book to tackle the entire range of musical styles that has emerged this century - rather than concentrating on a specific genre - and therefore offers a cultural, racial and social portrait of a constantly evolving society. Among the invaluable archived material made available to him, the author has uncovered a wealth of rare and 'lost' interviews with just about every major music star this century, excerpts from which are included in his text. This book gives the history of popular music this century from a totally unique perspective, and is vital reading for anyone with a passion for music.