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From Swing to Soul: An Illustrated History of African American Popular Music from 1930 to 1960

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When asked what jazz was, Louis Armstrong is supposed to have replied, "Man, if you gotta' ask you'll never know." Music lovers will know a great deal about African American popular music between 1930 and 1960 in this lucidly written and well conceptualized volume.

All of the giants are here - Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, as well as a host of lesser known composers, instrumentalists and vocalists who made significant contributions to this particular genre. In depth biographies of various performers as well as seldom seen photographs illuminate the text.

Beginning with rural blues, which often evoked feelings of hopelessness and disillusionment, then charting the influences of jazz, bebop, rock n' roll and soul, the authors have crafted a valuable contribution to the archives of American musical history.

Dramatic changes took place in the music industry during the period covered, as well as shifting cultural and economic influences throughout our country. The discriminatory practices of the music and record industries are noted, as are the exploitive management contracts.

"From Swing To Soul" sounds many notes in one concise volume that merits attention.

- Gail Cooke