The Story Behind the Song: 150 Songs that Chronicle the 20th Century

(Hardback)

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Songwriters often use lyrics to describe the current events and social attitudes of a particular period or people. An examination of America's popular songsand the stories behind their creationcan help us better understand our history and culture. This chronologically organized volume provides the stories of 150 songs in 20th-century American history. Each chapter begins with an historical overview of how songs from the period reflected the political, social, and economic culture of the decade. A discussion of 15 influential songs from each decade provides the songs' histories, what inspired the writers to create them, and why they have resonated over time. Included are patriotic songs, such as The Yankee Doodle Boy and God Bless America, protest songs of the civil rights and women's rights movements, such as We Shall Overcome and I Am Woman, songs that defined musical genres, such as Heartbreak Hotel and Stayin' Alive, and contemporary, often controversial music like Eminem's Stan. Each song's entry includes the song title, songwriter(s), publication information, and current availability. A selected bibliography includes Web sites and books helpful for researching songs, songwriters, and events of the 20th century. Indexes are arranged alphabetically, by song title, by songwriter name, and by subject, making this an excellent research tool for students and general readers alike.

Reviews

[W]ill serve as a reference for less advanced readers and as a supplementary resource for reviewing popular music history for scholars....All levels.-Choice
The idea of following the history of the 20th century through its most significant music is a fascinating one.-School Library Journal
"Will serve as a reference for less advanced readers and as a supplementary resource for reviewing popular music history for scholars....All levels."-Choice
"The idea of following the history of the 20th century through its most significant music is a fascinating one."-School Library Journal
"[W]ill serve as a reference for less advanced readers and as a supplementary resource for reviewing popular music history for scholars....All levels."-Choice

Author Bio

RICHARD D. BARNET is a Professor in the Department of the Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University. He has worked in various positions in the music industry including artist management, booking, concert promotion, television, and live show music production, performance, and conducting. He is a former officer of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educator's Association and a gubernatorial appointee to the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Advisory Council, as well as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Professor Barnet is co-author of Controversies of the Music Industry (Greenwood, 2001). BRUCE NEMEROV is an audio specialist at the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University. He joined the Center in 1990 after 20 years as a professional musician, producer, and audio engineer. MAYO R. TAYLOR is a librarian at the Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to her current appointment, she was coordinator for Research Collections at the Center for Popular Music.