Unsung Heroes Of Rock 'n' Roll: The Birth Of Rock In The Wild Years Before Elvis (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There is not much at the heart of Laurelton..." (more)
Key Phrases: gleeby rhythm, race charts, gonna rock, New York, Joe Turner, Louis Jordan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The author of "Country" now offers a paean to a forsaken time of relentless excess, sudden ruin, and fierce music--the days of rock 'n' roll, long before Elvis came on the scene. 42 illustrations.

About the Author

Nick Tosches is the author of Hellfire, Unsung Heroes of Rock 'n' Roll, Power on Earth, Cut Numbers, Dino, and Trinities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (May 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306808919
• ISBN-13: 978-0306808913
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #98,184 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, hysterically funny, a great read, February 9, 2000

By A Customer

This may be, quite simply, the best non-fiction book on music. I agree with his main point -- in rock and roll, there is nothing new under the sun; everything truly innovative was done by someone over half a century ago (and there's a good chance they were drunk at the time). What Tosches does is tell these stories is a way that will have you laughing out loud and running to the CD store to pick up as much of this music as you can find.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Rosetta Stone of Early Rock and Roll, April 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Unsung Heroes Of Rock 'n' Roll: The Birth of Rock 'N' Roll in the Wild Years Before Elvis Revised Edition (Paperback)

The best book about the history of Rock and Roll I have ever come across. My goal is to find and hear musis by each of the artists featured in the book, including Ming & Ling, the Chinese Hillbillies, bless their inscrutable souls. The opening paragraphs in the chapter on Big Joe Turner are worth the price of admission itself.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspired tales of early rockers, February 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Unsung Heroes Of Rock 'n' Roll: The Birth of Rock 'N' Roll in the Wild Years Before Elvis Revised Edition (Paperback)

Tosches captures the energy of a nascent musical form with wit and no small amount of fury. The Merman chapter alone is worth the price of admission, opening new avenues of appreciation. Seek this one out.