Description
Author Ed Ward
Publisher Flatiron Books
Format Paperback
condition Very small crease on cover
Summary
Ed Ward, revered music historian and former NPR “Fresh Air” rock-and-roll commentator, brings his deep knowledge and storytelling prowess to The History of Rock & Roll: Volume One, 1920–1963. This meticulously researched volume is more than a timeline—it’s a sonic journey through the cultural, social, and technological shifts that shaped the birth and explosive rise of rock music. From the early blues and jazz roots to the electrifying moment Elvis Presley stepped onto the national stage, Ward reconstructs the genre’s rich and complicated tapestry with nuance and clarity.
With captivating detail, he introduces readers to pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard, and traces the lesser-known influences that shaped the music—from race records and gospel choirs to rebellious teenage listeners and post-war radio. Ward doesn’t just report history; he revives it, making this a must-have for fans, collectors, and cultural scholars alike. This is not a dry recitation of dates, but a pulse-pounding narrative of America finding its beat.