Product Description

Long before Elvis Presley entered Sam Phillips's Sun Records studio in 1954, rock 'n' roll was being performed and recorded by the likes of Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, the Clovers, the Dominoes, the Midnighters, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Wanda Jackson, and Johnny Ace. More than just a series of shrewd and evocative portraits of these and sixteen other performers, this book is also a paean to a forsaken time of relentless excess, sudden ruin, and fierce music. For this edition, the author has contributed a new listing of recent CD reissues. From 1945 to 1955, from Chinese hillbillies to Elvis's long-lost twin brother, here are the Unsung Heroes of Rock 'n' Roll.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #273938 in Books
• Published on: 1999-04-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

The nitty-gritty
In fact, I don't know anything about the author of this book, and so far it's the only book of his I've read. I guess he should be well-known, even famous in the wider world, because this book certainly would contribute to such a standing. Oh what an enjoyable read, and packed with lots of truly interesting bits and pieces about the second-file of (mostly black) musicians in the 50s and 60s! It was time that someone, again, spoke out for the pre- and siderunners of rock & roll whose memory today has faded (but whose music, though unknown to most, has not). Every chapter a little gem ... I very much loved the author's way of putting things since he never misses a point and in his language masterly uses all registers, from slutty to stylish. And he always tries to do justice to everyone without losing wider perspectives. In the end, therefore, it is also a book that movingly portrays facets of the human existence, nothing less. But don't go on reading this, rather get yourself a copy of Tosches's wonderful verbal r&b-soul-circuit and get down to the nitty-gritty! You won't regret it.