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The Stooges: Head On
by Alice Cooper Brett Callwood Glen DanzigThe story of seminal Ann Arbor punk rock band the Stooges, told through original interviews with the band members and associates.
The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover
by Jan GradvallThrough exclusive interviews and over a decade of deep research, renowned music journalist Jan Gradvall explores the secrets to ABBA’s success.There has never been a group like ABBA. More than half a century after their songs were recorded, ABBA still make people the world over dance and sing their hearts out. In 2013, when the band had not been interviewed for over thirty years, Jan Gradvall was granted unique access to them for the next decade and the result is The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover. Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad all share their personal stories, their thoughts and their opinions about ABBA’s music more openly than ever before. Weaving in and out of their story, well-known international music critic Jan Gradvall reveals the context in which their unique sound developed and shows how the story of ABBA is also the story of Sweden and the globalization of pop culture.From their earliest hits in Sweden like “People Need Love” and “Ring, Ring” to their chart-topping international hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Mama Mia!” to ABBA Voyage – their first album in forty years – and the two-million-ticket-selling eponymous concert-experience in London, it is undeniable that, in the history of pop culture and music, there has never been a group like ABBA. With remarkable intimacy, Gradvall’s sensational book brings readers closer than ever to one of the world’s most notoriously private groups.
The Story of Aftermath Entertainment (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Robert GraysonDr. Dre was the face of hip-hop by the time he started Aftermath Entertainment in 1996. But like any new record label, even one started by a legend, Aftermath had to go through some growing pains before finding its sound. Once it did, Aftermath was on a roll, producing platinum albums by megastars like Eminem and 50 Cent. The record label combined the creativity and fresh material of new rap stars with the special touch only a musical genius like Dr. Dre could add. Born out of the violent era of the West Coast-East Coast rap feud, Aftermath carried Dr. Dre's hopes of creating a record label that focused solely on music, not violence. There were some false starts along the way. But it did not take Aftermath long to introduce some of rap's biggest names to the world and sell millions upon millions of albums.
The Story of Bad Boy Entertainment (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Jeff BurlingameThe story of Bad Boy Entertainment is one of triumph and tragedy. It was triumph when the dream of founder Sean "Puffy" Combs was transformed into one of the most successful record labels in the history of hip-hop music. It was tragedy when the life of Bad Boy's most successful artist, Christopher "Biggie" Wallace, was violently ended at the prime of his career. It was triumph again when Puffy evoked Biggie's memory in a chart-topping song that helped jump-start a highly successful performing career of his own. Nearly 20 years after its founding, Bad Boy Entertainment has grown from a record label spinning out rap hits to a do-everything company with dealings in the world of fashion, food, and music.
The Story of Cash Money Records (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Terri DoughertyFounded in New Orleans in the early 1990s, Cash Money Records faced an uphill battle as it struggled to gain respect. Brothers Bryan "Baby" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams started the label by recording New Orleans artists who were part of the local " bounce music" scene. The label's young rappers, including Juvenile, B.G., and Turk, worked hard to deliver hits, but inner turmoil almost derailed Cash Money's success. The breakout success of Lil Wayne, who became the label's biggest star and even served as its president for a time, helped Cash Money survive during a difficult decade. Today stars like Drake and Nicki Minaj are helping to make Cash Money Records a household name in the hip-hop world.
The Story of Death Row Records (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Trey WhiteFor a few years in the mid-1990s, a small music label called Death Row stood atop the hip-hop world. Death Row Records was instrumental in introducing a hard-core style of rap music known as "gangsta rap" to mainstream audiences. Albums like Dr. Dre's The Chronic, Snoop Doggy Dogg's Doggystyle, and Tupac Shakur's All Eyez on Me sold millions of copies and influenced a new generation of artists. The money rolled in for Death Row's founder, Marion "Suge" Knight. The good times could not last, however. Tupac was murdered, Suge Knight was sent to prison for various crimes, and the label's top stars moved on. The dramatic rise and fall of Death Row Records is chronicled in this book.
The Story of Def Jam (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Brian BaughanWhen it was founded in 1984, Def Jam was a tiny operation nestled in the college dorm room of Rick Rubin. He and promoter Russell Simmons quickly built a music empire around a talented crew of groundbreaking artists and an allegiance to the "real street music" that was about to bust out of New York City's hip-hop circles. Over the course of several decades, Def Jam has helped launched many of the best acts in rap and pop music, including LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Method Man, DMX, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, and Rihanna. Over 200 gold and over 70 platinum records bear the Def Jam label. Def Jam's 25th anniversary in 2009 was just another milestone in the story of a label that helped define the sound as well as the wider culture of hip-hop.
The Story of Ella Fitzgerald: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
by Kathy TrustyDiscover the life of Ella Fitzgerald—a story about finding your voice for kids ages 6 to 9 Ella Fitzgerald was one of the greatest singers of all time. Before she found her voice and changed the world of jazz music, she was a playful girl who wanted to become a dancer. Her life changed when people started noticing her beautiful singing voice, and she was hired as a singer in a famous jazz band. Explore how Ella went from being a young girl growing up in New York to an award-winning artist who made musical history.Independent reading—This Ella Fitzgerald biography is broken down into short chapters and simple language so kids 6 to 9 can read and learn on their own.Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Ella's life, find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.A lasting legacy—Find out how Ella's impact on music and culture is still felt today.How will Ella's persistence and incredible talent inspire you?Discover activists, artists, and athletes, and more from across history with the rest of The Story Of series - including famous figures like: Katherine Johnson, Simone Biles, Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, and Michelle Obama.
The Story of Interscope Records (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Diane BaileyHip-hop started on the streets of New York with African American youths in the 1970s. But with its strong beats and raw lyrics, it quickly spread across the country. It became the music of a generation of young Americans. But hip-hop is more than just music. It's a lifestyle. It's also big business. When Interscope Records was formed in 1990, the company's founders saw an opportunity. Young people loved the energy of hip-hop. Interscope gave rappers like Eminem and 50 Cent their start--and it paid off. Today, Interscope is a multimillion-dollar company that handles all kinds of music. There were setbacks on the way to success. But whether it was Lady Gaga or the Black Eyed Peas, Interscope always managed to find a star!
The Story of Mosley Music Group (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Emma KowalskiSince the mid-1990s, Tim Mosley--better known as Timbaland--has been one of the most in-demand and critically respected producers in the music industry. His credits include numerous hits in hip-hop, as well as dance, R&B, pop, and rock. But that isn't the only contribution Timbaland has made to the music scene. In 2006, he became the CEO of his own record label, Mosley Music Group. Open to all kinds of acts, the label is part of, and distributed by, Interscope Records. Mosley Music Group has released several star-studded albums. The label has given new creative outlets to experienced artists like Nelly Furtado and Chris Cornell, and helped launch the careers of artists like OneRepublic, Keri Hilson, D.O.E., and MC Hayes. This book profiles all of Mosley Music Group's past and present artists and their releases, as well as the fascinating story of Timbaland's long and influential career.
The Story of Music
by Howard GoodallWhy did prehistoric people start making music? What does every postwar pop song have in common? A &“masterful&” tour of music through the ages (Booklist, starred review). Music is an intrinsic part of everyday life, and yet the history of its development from single notes to multi-layered orchestration can seem bewilderingly specialized and complex. In his dynamic tour through 40,000 years of music, from prehistoric instruments to modern-day pop, Howard Goodall does away with stuffy biographies, unhelpful labels, and tired terminology. Instead, he leads us through the story of music as it happened, idea by idea, so that each musical innovation—harmony, notation, sung theater, the orchestra, dance music, recording, broadcasting—strikes us with its original force. He focuses on what changed when and why, picking out the discoveries that revolutionized man-made sound and bringing to life musical visionaries from the little-known Pérotin to the colossus of Wagner. Along the way, he also gives refreshingly clear descriptions of what music is and how it works: what scales are all about, why some chords sound discordant, and what all post-war pop songs have in common. The story of music is the story of our urge to invent, connect, rebel—and entertain. Howard Goodall's beautifully clear and compelling account is both a hymn to human endeavor and a groundbreaking map of our musical journey.
The Story of Music: From Babylon to the Beatles: How Music Has Shaped Civilization
by Howard GoodallMusic is an intrinsic part of everyday life, and yet the history of its development from single notes to multi-layered orchestration can seem bewilderingly complex.In his dynamic tour through 40,000 years of music, from prehistoric instruments to modern-day pop, Howard Goodall leads us through the story of music as it happened, idea by idea, so that each musical innovation--harmony, notation, sung theater, the orchestra, dance music, recording--strikes us with its original force. Along the way, he also gives refreshingly clear descriptions of what music is and how it works: what scales are all about, why some chords sound discordant, and what all post-war pop songs have in common.The story of music is the story of our urge to invent, connect, rebel--and entertain. Goodall's beautifully clear and compelling account is both a hymn to human endeavor and a groundbreaking map of our musical journey.
The Story of NOW That's What I Call Music in 100 Artists
by Michael MulliganEveryone remembers their first NOW album. Since NOW That's What I Call Music Volume 1 was released in 1983 on double vinyl and double cassette, NOW has become synonymous with pop music and has featured some of the most iconic artists of the last three decades. To celebrate the release of the 100th NOW album, The Story of NOW That's What I Call Music in 100 Artists looks back at some of the most memorable - and occasionally regrettable - hits of the last 35 years! Jam packed with amazing facts and 'Well I never!' moments about the 4,000+ artists to have graced the NOW track listings - from Phil Collins to Pharrell, Bananarama to Lady Gaga and Peter Andre to Pet Shop Boys - The Story of NOW is a celebration of pop music through the decades. So plug in your earphones and pump up the volume, because this party is just getting started!
The Story of No Limit Records (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Jim WhitingPercy "Master P." Miller came out of one of the toughest slums in New Orleans to found No Limit Records in Richmond, California, on a shoestring budget in 1991. Master P sold his first releases out of the trunk of his car, but he always believed in himself. Thanks to his hard work, within a few years No Limit was one of the most successful hip-hop record labels in the country and Master P was a multi-millionaire. Master P couldn't maintain this level of success, however, and in 2003 the label went bankrupt. Master P began a new label and kept going. In recent years, he has attempted to change the focus of his music to make it more positive, and started Take a Stand Records for that purpose. Now calling himself P. Miller, the rapper/entrepreneur remains active in the music business and also works to help others.
The Story of Olivia Rodrigo: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
by Stacia DeutschDiscover the life of Olivia Rodrigo—A story about becoming who you want to be for kids ages 6 to 9Olivia Rodrigo is an award-winning singer and songwriter who has sold out stadiums around the world! Before she became a pop star, she was a little girl who loved listening to music with her parents and wanted to be an actress. Explore how Olivia Rodrigo went from making her own music videos at home to being a famous singer, songwriter, and entertainer.Independent reading—This Olivia Rodrigo biography for kids is broken down into short chapters and simple language so young readers 6 to 9 can learn on their own.Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Olivia's life, and find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.A lasting legacy—Find out how Olivia's family, her love of music, and her willingness to learn new things helped her write songs that lots of people love and relate to.How will her confidence inspire you?Discover activists, artists, athletes, and more from across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Taylor Swift, Selena Quintanilla, Simone Biles, Frida Kahlo, and Ella Fitzgerald.
The Story of Roc-A-Fella Records (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Emma KowalskiWhen Shawn Carter, an aspiring rapper with the stage name Jay-Z, couldn't get his career off the ground at a major record label, he didn't get discouraged. He and his partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke created a hip-hop label of their own. They named the label Roc-A-Fella Records. Originally intended as a one-time project to release Jay-Z's full-length debut album, Reasonable Doubt, Roc-A-Fella Records expanded into a true hip-hop powerhouse. Roc-A-Fella Records has introduced listeners to the unique talents of artists like Kanye West, the Young Gunz, and the State Property crew. Other artists, such as Jadakiss and the O.D.B., have received another chance to kick-start their careers. This book describes the musical contributions of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Roc-A-Fella's other past and present artists, as well as the record label's complex behind-the-scenes history.
The Story of So So Def Recordings (Hip-Hop Hitmakers)
by Rich MintzerDuring the early 1990s, successful music producer Jermaine Dupri started So So Def Records. The Atlanta-based label began at a time when Southern hip-hop music was just beginning to get a lot of attention. Dupri signed distribution deals with much-larger record companies like Columbia and Arista. This allowed him to focus on what he did best: finding talented unknown artists and producing hit music. Some of So So Def's biggest stars included Da Brat, Lil Bow Wow, and Jagged Edge. Today So So Def Records is completely independent, and Jermaine Dupri is working hard to introduce a new generation of hip-hop stars.
The Story of Stevie Wonder
by James HaskinsA biography of the blind composer, pianist, and singer who was a child prodigy and went on to win nine Grammy awards.<P><P>Winner of the Coretta Scott King Medal
The Story of Taylor Swift: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)
by Rachelle BurkDiscover the life of Taylor Swift—a story about the power of words and being yourself for kids ages 6 to 9Taylor Swift is one of the most famous musical artists in the world! Before she became a big star, she was a little girl who loved country music and writing stories. Explore how she went from growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania to being an international role model and the youngest person ever to win the Entertainer of the Year award.Independent reading—This Taylor Swift biography for kids is broken down into short chapters and simple language so young readers 6 to 9 can learn on their own.Critical thinking—Kids will learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Taylor's life, and find definitions of new words, discussion questions, and more.A lasting legacy—Find out how Taylor's kindness, ambition, and talent for storytelling have made her an incredible figure in music and pop culture.How will Taylor's creativity and dedication inspire you?Discover activists, artists, athletes, and more from across history with the rest of The Story Of series, including famous figures like: Simone Biles, Jane Goodall, Ella Fitzgerald, Audrey Hepburn, and Frida Kahlo.
The Story of The Bee Gees: Children of the World
by Bob StanleyA dazzling biography of one of the bestselling bands of all time, told with brilliant insight by renowned pop music scholar Bob Stanley.The world is full of Bee Gees fans. Yet for a band of such renown, little is known about Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. People tend to have their favorite era of the Bee Gees's career, but many listeners are also conscious that there is more to uncover about the band. This book will provide the perfect solution, by pulling together every fascinating strand to tell the story of a group with the imagination of the Beatles, the pop craft of ABBA, the drama of Fleetwood Mac, and the emotional heft of the Beach Boys. Uniquely, the Bee Gees's tale spans the entire modern pop era—they are the only group to have scored British top-ten singles in the '60s, '70s, '80s, and &‘90s—and includes world-conquering disco successes like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'More Than a Woman', both from the soundtrack of the hit film Saturday Night Fever. But the Bee Gees's extraordinary career was one of highs and lows. From a vicious but temporary split in 1969 to several unreleased albums, disastrous TV and film appearances, and a demoralising cabaret season, the group weren't always revelling in the glow of million-selling albums, private jets, and UNICEF concerts. Yet, even in the Gibbs' darkest times, their music was rarely out of the charts, as sung by the likes of Al Green, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and Destiny's Child. Capturing the human story at the heart of the Bee Gees, this book is a lyrical and stylish read, delighting hardcore fans with its details while engaging casual pop readers who simply want to know more about this important and enigmatic group.
The Story of the B-52s: Neon Side of Town
by Scott Creney Brigette Adair HerronThe Story of the B-52s: Neon Side of Town is the first critical history of one of the most legendary and influential bands in American popular music. Locating The B-52s in the intellectual climate of their hometown of Athens, GA and following the band from New York’s downtown scene in the early 1980s to their upcoming farewell tour, the book argues that The B-52s are much more significant political and musical influences on American society than their reputation as a silly party band suggests, and that their ongoing commitment to values including cooperation, mutual support, and using disruptive fun as a form of social change are an antidote to the neoliberalization sweeping both Athens and the rest of the Western world. For example, the book shows how the band synthesized influences from the modern artists displayed at the University of Georgia art museum, early queer activism on campus in the 1970s, and their experiences as queer people living through the AIDS crisis to create music that continues to be artistically and politically influential today. The authors are active members of the Athens, GA music scene, and the book includes original interviews with a range of number close to the band.
The Story of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band
by H. O. BrunnIt was the five young men who called themselves The Original Dixieland Jazz Band who raised jazz from being a curious, local, and peculiarly Negro phenomenon into the greatest popular artform in history. In 1916 they swept Chicago off its feet. In 1917 they took New York by storm. For the first time jazz became fashionable. People crowded into Reisenwehr’s Restaurant where they played. They were in constant demand for shows and charity performances. They accompanied Sophie Tucker and appeared on the same bill as Caruso.In March 1917 they made the first jazz record and their fame flew across the whole continent. The record was the biggest seller in the R.C.A. catalogue, passing the magic million and easily outstripping the records of Caruso and Sousa’s Band which were the current popular idols.But, not content with America as their platform, they also became the first group to export the new music. And London, too, was caught up in the exciting rhythm and wild, savage, haunting gaiety of jazz. For more than a year they played to packed houses. They gave a command performance for King George V. They were the sensation of the Victory Ball to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.When the band broke up for the first time in 1924, partly torn by inner dissension, partly frustrated by the wave of indignation against the frenzied enthusiasm of their supporters (in 1922 jazz was banned after midnight in New York City), they had firmly established themselves as the top entertainment group in the United States, and they had blazed a trail to success which all could follow. They had proved that jazz was not merely a folk-music which could only be appreciated by Negroes, but the expression, in a particularly exhilarating form, of something which was an essential part of human nature.“Here at last is the book that tells the truth about how jazz music really began.”—THE GRAMOPHONE -
The Story of the Saxophone
by Lesa Cline-RansomeBrassy, smokey, melodious. There's nothing like the saxophone. This incredible work from the award-winners behind Before She was Harriet includes a poster of jazz music's greatest talents.You may think that the story of the saxophone begins with Dexter Gordon or Charlie Parker, or on a street corner in New Orleans. It really began in 1840 in Belgium with a young daydreamer named Joseph-Antoine Adolphe Sax—a boy with bad luck but great ideas.Coretta Scott King Honoree Lesa Cline-Ransome unravels the fascinating history of how Adolphe's once reviled instrument was transported across Europe and Mexico to New Orleans. Follow the saxophone's journey from Adolphe's imagination to the pawn shop window where it caught the eye of musician Sidney Bechet and became the iconic symbol of jazz music it is today. Deflty retold, this history is paired with the gorgeous artwork of James E. Ransome, including an attention-grabbing poster of iconic jazz musicians you can find inside the jacket.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
by Dave GrohlSo, I&’ve written a book. Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities (&‘It&’s a piece of cake! Just do four hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!&’), I have decided to write these stories just as I have always done, in my own hand. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I&’ve recorded and can&’t wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child. This certainly doesn&’t mean that I&’m quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it&’s like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
by Dave GrohlSo, I've written a book. <p><p> Having entertained the idea for years, and even offered a few questionable opportunities ("It's a piece of cake! Just do 4 hours of interviews, find someone else to write it, put your face on the cover, and voila!") I have decided to write these stories just as I have always done, in my own hand. The joy that I have felt from chronicling these tales is not unlike listening back to a song that I've recorded and can't wait to share with the world, or reading a primitive journal entry from a stained notebook, or even hearing my voice bounce between the Kiss posters on my wall as a child. <p><p> This certainly doesn't mean that I'm quitting my day job, but it does give me a place to shed a little light on what it's like to be a kid from Springfield, Virginia, walking through life while living out the crazy dreams I had as young musician. From hitting the road with Scream at 18 years old, to my time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, jamming with Iggy Pop or playing at the Academy Awards or dancing with AC/DC and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, drumming for Tom Petty or meeting Sir Paul McCartney at Royal Albert Hall, bedtime stories with Joan Jett or a chance meeting with Little Richard, to flying halfway around the world for one epic night with my daughters…the list goes on. I look forward to focusing the lens through which I see these memories a little sharper for you with much excitement. <p> <b>New York Times Bestseller</b>