From Booklist
Gr. 6-9. Each chapter in this lively collective biography spotlights one African American blues singer. A full-page photo and a quote (usually from the musician) lead off the discussion of each subject's childhood, sometimes colorful personal life, and career as a musician. Wilds has a knack for choosing a brief phrase or quote to convey a fundamental personality trait, from Big Bill Broonzy, who said he'd "rather have friends than money," to Lightnin' Hopkins, whose friends said he had "a storm in his spirit," to Skip James, who was "a hard man to like." Others profiled include Libba Cotton, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie Johnson, and Mance Lipscomb. Lists of books, recordings, and videotapes are appended. Country blues and ragtime may not be the most popular music with young people today, but kids who find that the music speaks to them will enjoy this entertaining and enlightening book. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
