Black Chord [Hardcover]

Vivien Goldman (Author), David Corio (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1999

From jazz, blues, hip hop, and reggae to African rhythms, gospel, and contemporary R&B, "The Black Chord" pays homage to the legendary and current superstars of Black music. Stunning photographs and a provocative consideration of musical theory combine, and the result is an unprecedented view of popular culture and its antecedents.

David Corio's photos capture the major talents of black music: Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Barry White, Missy Elliot, Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs, Al Jarreau, Salif Keita, Courtney Pine, Chaka Khan, Isaac Hayes, B.B. King, Miles Davis, Fats Domino, Patti Labelle, and many others from a diversity of musical styles. Goldman traces the musical thread or "black chord" that connects these artists and the influences that music and Black performers from different countries, cultures, and periods have had on the evolution of musical expression worldwide.

Chapters include an exploration of the different genres of music-from blues to rap and beyond-and their history, a look at sexy soul music and its appeal, and an interpretation of the impact that newcomers like Puff Daddy and Brandy have had on the contemporary music scene.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From the African oral history tradition to rap culture Goldman weaves the musical thread of Black music into a brilliant tapestry that's globally significant." --Deborah Gregory, Essence

"The story of David Corio and Vivien Goldman's The Black Chord is the centuries long saga of the drive to bring good out of evil, as the people of the Black Diaspora discovered the power of culture to fortify and rescue the downtrodden. We learn that, by keeping pride in one's roots and self-criticism in one's process while embracing the best aspects of societies that were often pitted against them, the ancient traditions of juba dances and slave chants endured due to the struggles of Curtis Mayfield and Bob Marley, and they thrive in the kindred spirits of Cassandra Wilson and Lauryn Hill-ultimately turning antipathy into admiration and lonely adversity into communal triumph.

The greatest myth of the modern music business is that it derives its importance from the money it makes. But as The Black Chord reveals, so long as music has the courage to renew itself, teaching that tenderness is strength. love is power, and human dignity is priceless, it will always prosper where it really matters most: in the hearts and minds of humanity." --Timothy White, Editor in Chief, Billboard; author of the bestseller Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

David Corio has been a photographer for more than twenty years. His work has appeared throughout the U.S. and England on more than one hundred record sleeves as well as in the New York Times, the Times in London, New Musical Express, the Face, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, Mojo, the Source, and more.

Vivien Goldman is an author who has been chronicling Black music and culture for twenty-five years. Her journalism has appeared throughout the U.S., England, and France in publications such as Rolling Stone, the Village Voice, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, British Elle, Billboard, and the Daily Telegraph in London.

Isaac Hayes is a legendary musician and radio personality. Hayes is also the voice of Chef on the popular animated series of "South Park."

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Universe (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078930337X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789303370
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,165,368 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Elegant & Eloquent, December 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Chord (Hardcover)

Haunting photos with a very intimate feeling to them, and eloquent text make thought-provoking points about black culture, its social impact and the feelings these artists have always had for each other. Getting strengths from each other, they taught us all things about how to be strong. Unique and provocative book. Really enjoyed and learned from it.