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During the 1950s and later, dynamic, energetic and rebellious young people produced their own music unlike traditional music, becoming a target of censorship and conservatism. When I saw this book with an Elvis-like design on its cover, I must have picked it up, because it reminded me of the days when most of us in my generation were, musically speaking, in love with ‘Elvis and his successors.
The type of music called rock originated in America in peacetime, but has been adopted by young people around the world. Although it began as an act of rebellion, rock music became the dominant musical form for the next several decades, eventually transforming into a customary genre of music and leaving its throne of rebellion to other types of music. Rock music involves a vocal melody accompanied by musical instruments such as guitars, drums, and keyboard instruments.
When rhythm and blues met country music, rock music was born. The book, “The History of Rock Music”, gives this type of historical information alongside biographies and information about famous rock stars who determined and shaped the course of rock music from the very beginning. In addition to musicians, Dick Clark with his television show “American Bandstand” promoted rock music and forced its respectability by the general population.
Among the first artists mentioned were Little Richard, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Woodie Guthrie and Bob Dylan, and from the 60s came The Beatles, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Motown, Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, The Beach Boys, The Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Later, when hard rock surfaced, its representatives became Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Black Sabbath. Beginning in the 1970s, singer-songwriters entered the music scene like Jackson Browne, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell.
The book not only gives information about music groups and presents several features of current history, but it also provides details on instruments and the development of rock music trends until the late 90s, from pre-Elvis days to Curt Cobain grunge.
“The History of Rock Music” is a volume in the Masters of Music series, hardcover, 64 pages, with ISBN-10: 0764151371 and ISBN-13: 9780764151378.
The author, Andrea Bergamini, has written other books on music such as Beethoven and the Classical Age, World Music and Rock. In addition, great recognition goes to the illustrator of the book, Ivan Stalio, who illustrated many volumes such as: The Atlas of the World’s Religions, Adapting to the Environment, The Animal Atlas, The History of technology, life cycles, mammals and plants.
With its large pages filled with bright photos, graphics and illustrations, this young adult book is a delightful book for people of all ages to read and enjoy.
