Smash Hits by James E Perone

Smash Hits by James E Perone

We are what we listen to. That's the premise of this study of 100 songs that have shaped and defined the American experience, from the Colonial period to the present.
Well-known music author James Perone looks at 100 songs that helped tell America's story. He examines why each song became a hit, what cultural and social values it embodies, what issues it touches upon, what audiences it attracted, and what made it such a definitive part of American history and popular culture.

The chart-topping singles presented here crossed gender, age, race, and class lines to appeal to the mass American audience. The book discusses patriotic songs, minstrel music, and sacred songs and hymns as well as music in the broad categories of pop, rock, hip hop, jazz, country, and folk. An introduction provides an overview of the history and significant issues raised by the songs as a whole. Individual songs are then presented chronologically, based on when they were written. The revealing commentary for each "hit" is not only interesting and fun, but reveals what it was like to live in the United States at a particular time by unveiling the social, economic, and political issues—as well as the musical tastes—that made life what it was.

This strong reference work, which effectively integrates the history, popular culture, and music that defines America, is highly recommended to high school and undergraduate libraries, as well as teachers looking to incorporate new avenues into their curriculumMembers of the general public will also appreciate this work. * ARBA *

James E. Perone, PhD, is associate dean of the faculty and the Margaret Morgan Ramsey professor in music at the University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781440834684
ISBN 10	1440834687
Title	Smash Hits
Author	James E Perone
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Year published	2016-10-17
Number of pages	360
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.