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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cohan successfully shines a light on Hepburn’s talent beyond the fashion icon stereotype, and her fans will appreciate the different perspectives he brings.
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.
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 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 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.
Film aficionados and scholars will welcome this informative and sympathetic book-length Vidor study, the first since 1988’s King Vidor, American by Raymond Durgnat and Scott Simmon.
An essential reference guide with engaging writing that shines. This is an exhaustive and valuable encyclopedia of the hits and misses of queer horror cinema. Genre fans will find plenty of titles to add to their watchlist.
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.