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Readers interested in American classical music and Black history and culture will find much to celebrate in this outstanding book.
Readers looking for a comprehensive or easy-reading book on Prince’s career will be better served elsewhere. However, those wanting to take a scholarly deep dive into Prince’s work and its impact on cultural, political, and social subjects will discover unique insights that have not yet been covered in other academic literature.
A well-written introduction to noir films and how the genre has continued to thrive as times changed.
Pop confectionery with surprising depth, much like its subject. For Swift fans and those who love them.
While Elvis generally credited gospel, R&B, and a few artists by name, he was fundamental in fusing aspects of American culture from disparate racial traditions when segregation was beginning to lift. His appropriation, explored here, remains polarizing.
These reminders of popular culture melodies covering nearly 100 years will foster wistful reflection.
There is much for general readers to absorb in this long walk through an art form that has been evolving for 500 years.
A generous reading of the works of a master composer and lyricist who reinvented the American musical.
Matheson is honest and self-effacing when discussing his personal life, and he provides valuable advice for those trying to get into the business. Yes, he does discuss John Belushi.
Other than Perkins’s own 1996 autobiography, little has been published about him, and Apter admirably fills the gap with this detailed and emotionally charged biography.
Filled with tidbits such as the origin of the famous golf swing and humanizing stories of regret over losing his first wife to divorce and his son to a car accident, Zehme expertly fully captures a full portrait of Carson.
Though never pinpointing the reasons for the explosive, major-label success of a rebellious band, which ostensibly distrusted corporate rock, Carlin assembles a solid, much-needed narrative of one of the major alternative rock bands that both complements and updates David Buckley’s 2002 R.E.M. Fiction: An Alternative Biography.
A candid and surprisingly touching memoir from the actor who created one of television’s most memorable characters.
With beautiful images and accessible writing, this is recommended for readers interested in modern ballet of the early 20th century.
Though his book is thought-provoking, Rowell never thoroughly explains the reasons for the fixation on older music beyond the obvious penchant for comforting nostalgia, easy access to past hits through technology, and corporate greed. An interesting but not entirely satisfying book for rock fans.
This distinctive title gives readers vivid insight into the lives of four fascinating cellists. It also pays homage to the uniqueness of cellos.
PREMIUM
Autonomy: Portrait of a Buzzcock
Guitarist and songwriter Diggle’s engaging memoir will appeal to fans and music lovers alike.
This quiz book is suitable for circulation if answers are written on a separate piece of paper. An optional holiday purchase for public libraries.
A solid pick for public libraries. Devotees of Ephron will find this volume delightful to delve into, while casual cinephiles will enjoy it as a thoughtful analysis of an influential writer-director and her various legacies.
Inviting multiple viewings, this book concurs that cinema is a properly communal experience that can benefit spirituality.
Tepper has fashioned a winning book on the unsung heroines of Broadway musicals that will be appreciated by readers of women’s studies and theater lore.
This academically written and accessible contribution to film history should please a wide range of readers.
Written more like a commentary on Fania’s cultural significance to Latin music and Nuyorican culture than an overall history, this work will be of interest to diehard fans of salsa and music professors.
A delicious serving of Tucci’s special blend of tasteful prose and sparkling wit that his fans and general foodies will savor.
Scholars and queer history readers will gain newfound knowledge and deep flamenco appreciation from Rodríguez’s comprehensive research. This significant contribution to dance scholarship is critical for all performing arts collections.
A fascinating look at an authentic Hollywood influencer, told with affection, honesty, and unprecedented access to the memories of numerous legends
PREMIUM
Can You Hear Me?
This fascinating peek into the mind of a remarkable inventor is appropriate for family listening.
PREMIUM
Dorothy Parker in Hollywood
Well-researched with many absorbing anecdotes and behind-the-scenes accounts, this thoughtful work will provide a fascinating and satisfying read for devotees of Parker and Hollywood history.
Fans will “soitenly” enjoy this entertaining and detailed look at Shemp’s career with and without the Three Stooges.
PREMIUM
The Silver Snarling Trumpet: The Birth of the Grateful Dead—The Lost Manuscript of Robert Hunter
Hardcore Deadheads or those interested in the cultural transition from Beat to hippie may find something of value here. Those looking for a more focused history of the beginnings of the Grateful Dead should turn to the early chapters of David Browne’s excellent So Many Roads: The Life and Times of the Grateful Dead.
This fluidly written book illuminates an influential era, asserting that the United States is a singular space where things can happen on a grand scale.
The strength of this memoir is MacDonald’s experiences traveling through the United Kingdom. Recommended for fans of MacDonald’s writing, Leatherface’s music, and the UK punk music scene.
Dion’s friendly and laid-back approach to writing makes this an easygoing read, appealing to rock and roll biography fans and self-help readers.
A laudatory biography that is a must-read for any fan of Randy Newman, popular culture, and the creative process.
Nussbaum’s well-researched and philosophical discussion of the impact of reality television reveals the influence that it has had, not only on the entertainment industry but on society as a whole. Insightful, unsettling, and thought-provoking.
PREMIUM
Rebel Rising
A funny, poignant, and relatable celebrity memoir that will surely garner Wilson more fans.
PREMIUM
A New Philosophy of Opera
An inspiring treatise that should provoke new interest in opera’s potential. For anyone involved with opera or who thinks they might like to be.
A thorough and thoroughly human history of a unique locale and era. For fans of American folk, jazz, and New York City.
PREMIUM
The SNL Companion: An Unofficial Guide to the Seasons, Sketches, and Stars of Saturday Night Live
This is a comprehensive ticket to learning more about every aspect of the late-night comedy staple and its storied history.
Nygard abundantly supplies suggestions for those in the business; casual readers will savor stories about the genre’s history.
Bouzereau persuasively shows readers the substance behind De Palma’s style while revealing how he connected to these films as a young gay man.
PREMIUM
The Spamalot Diaries
The backstage story of one of the most successful musicals (nominated for 14 Tony Awards and winner of three) will appeal to theater buffs and fans of Monty Python.
Well-written and thoroughly researched using numerous primary and family sources. Readers who enjoy comedy and entertainment history will find this particularly absorbing.
While not unearthing any major revelations, Blush’s nimble outline of the interplay between reggae and British punk will appeal to music fans.
Though tackling an often-told story, Leigh successfully recaptures the mayhem and exhilaration of the British invasion for readers of all types.
Lost loyalists will find vindication, but even detractors will be forced to admit that the show’s execution wasn’t as haphazard as the internet suggests.
Sawyers’s command of her subject and fluent style help her integrate various disparate elements into a convincing whole. This is a valuable sociological addition to the ever-growing Springsteen bookshelf.
Entertaining, but without original interviews or personal anecdotes, it might have a limited audience.
This updated biography adds to the currency of Bush’s work and will interest her fans and fans of music biographies.
Cohan successfully shines a light on Hepburn’s talent beyond the fashion icon stereotype, and her fans will appreciate the different perspectives he brings.
Thompson’s nostalgic book shows how an endearing film created an enduring legacy. Recommended for holiday and film collections.
PREMIUM
Joanna Hogg
A thoroughly useful text for cinema scholars plumbing the depths of Hogg’s work and a strong addition to UI’s “Contemporary Film Directors” series.
PREMIUM
Who’s That Girl?: A Memoir
Eve’s historic place in hip-hop is highlighted in this candid memoir that will appeal to both music lovers and fans of the artist.
PREMIUM
William L. Dawson
A valuable addition to the literature on celebrated music composed by Black artists and music education in the United States.
A remarkable tale that’s enriched with few words and plenty of neutral-toned illustrations. It beautifully spotlights movement and the music of Pärt.
Recommended for both jazz enthusiasts and readers exploring any of the music genres that have evolved from jazz over the past six decades.
This volume includes fascinating stories about Wynette and Jones, but fans might wish for more of those and fewer digressions in the first part of the book. For comprehensive country music collections.
College students and amateur writers will devour this book, filled with clear instructions, interesting tidbits, and insight on the workings of writers’ rooms. University libraries will most benefit from this purchase.
Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora.
Dancers past and present might be gratified by having their experiences validated, but this book mostly makes the case for discouraging aspirants from pursuing a career in dance.
This illuminating book sheds light on brothers at least as influential as the Warners, but lesser known in cinematic popular culture.
Boyd’s treasure trove of information about the global impact of world music (particularly on the United States) is a tour de force that will fascinate music lovers.
A deep dive offering a valuable perspective to readers interested in the history of Black women vocalists.
A colorful, breezy collection that will give rom-com lovers a passel of new titles to check out while also encouraging them to take a closer look at the elements that make up their familiar favorites.
Smyth deftly spotlights a sardonically witty woman and film pioneer whose contributions are little known. Film students and biography readers will be delighted.
Looking through a camera’s viewfinder, a director focuses in on the best shots to tell a movie’s story; with his filmmaker’s eye, it’s no surpise that Chu’s memoir (written with Jeremy McCarter) tells an effective story. Film students will relish his insight into filmmaking.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an in-depth but accessible behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of rhythm and blues music and the rock and roll lifestyle. Recommended for fans of engaging arts and entertainment exposés, such as Nick de Semlyen’s Wild and Crazy Guys.
Narasaki’s sensitive play about Japanese Americans seeking to understand the past resonates with humor and insight. An excellent pairing with Narasaki’s No-No Boy or Phillip Kan Gotanda’s Sisters Matsumoto, both available through L.A. Theatre Works.
A close look at what it takes to contribute to lasting and meaningful social change. For jazz musicians, teachers, and historians.
This lavishly illustrated book with stunning, oversized photos gives a straightforward, accurate, but often-told synopsis of the life and music of the man known as the King of Rock and Roll. Will appeal to Elvis fans, music lovers, and readers who enjoy perusing titles with strong and plentiful images.
This book may be about Parton’s songs, but it is also a walk through musical history beyond just one woman. An extensive volume that would be a great addition to music collections.
A valuable addition for collections or courses on popular culture or music history. Fans of old musicals, movies, and music will appreciate learning more about the names and tunes they love.
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