One Love, One Heart: A History of Reggae [Hardcover]

Jim Haskins (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Reggae is the heart of the island of Jamaica, and has shaped its culture, religion, dress, and language. From its beginnings in traditional African folk songs, to its metamorphosis into a vehicle for messages of Rastafarianism and social and political protest, reggae is truly a music of the people. Influencing the sounds of artists worldwide, it captures the universal desire for peace, change, and a better world. In the tradition of One Nation Under a Groove: Rap Music and Its Roots, James Haskins brings teens another funky, accesible, and comprehensive history of a people and their music.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-This balanced work incorporates a brief history of Jamaica and of the Rastafarian religion, and includes mention of the controversial belief in smoking marijuana. Although reggae continues to spread around the world and be developed by African, Native American, and Australian Aboriginal musicians, it is deeply rooted in the ghettos of Kingston and other Jamaican cities and inspired by the message of hope Rastafarianism offers the urban poor. While Bob Marley was the musician who first drew worldwide attention to reggae, Haskins gives the many other performers and producers who contributed to its growth their share of recognition. Their inclusion makes this work especially valuable, since there are almost no books on the subject for this audience except biographies of Marley. Black-and-white photographs are included. The extensive endnotes for each chapter and the three-page bibliography will be helpful to readers who want to delve deeper.
Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 7-12. "Reggae means regular people who are suffering and don't have what they want," reads a quote from musician Toots Hibbert in this solid overview of Jamaica's music and surrounding culture. Early chapters give a brief history of colonialism and resistance in Jamaica, Marcus Garvey and the birth of Rastafarianism, and the musical forms that preceded reggae. A chapter on Bob Marley follows the singer through his life, focusing on reggae's origin and transformation. Subsequent chapters note other major reggae stars in Jamaica and throughout the world, as well as the music that evolved from reggae, such as dub and dancehall. Haskins supports his text with numerous quotes from historians, music critics, and the musicians themselves, and despite some self-indulgent prose ("Jamaica slumbered under the tropical sun"), he offers an insightful introduction to the religious and cultural movements that gave birth to reggae, as well as the protest messages inherent in the music. Bibliography. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 138 pages
• Publisher: Jump At The Sun; 1 edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786804793
• ISBN-13: 978-0786804795
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,288,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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