Popular Music in America: The Beat Goes on - Softcover

"Clarity of presentation. I surveyed my students today asking this very question and almost without exception students say the format of the text is its greatest strength. Additionally, it is difficult for many faculty members to have access to the range of examples needed to teach a popular music course, the CDs are a life saver when having to track down appropriate examples."

POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA is a wide-ranging survey of almost two centuries of popular music. It offers a coherent and integrated account of the evolution of popular music -- from the parlor songs and minstrel show music of the 1840s, to rock, rap, techno, and other contemporary styles. Because it takes a broad view of popular music, the text embraces not only mainstream examples of American popular music, but also commercially prominent styles (such as jazz, Latin music, country music, and musical theater) and regional styles (such as reggae, tejano, and Celtic music). The primary focus of Campbell's text is the music itself -- the elements of a given popular style that give it a unique sound. Almost as prominent is the author's ability to sift and synthesize for the student the influences, differences, and connections -- both cultural and musical -- of a diverse musical culture, all of it somehow American. How the music speaks to and for its audience is a recurring theme throughout the text, focusing students on the enormous social and musical impact that Afro-centric music has had on popular music styles throughout the 20th century. In keeping with its focus on musical matters, POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA comes with an extensive anthology that includes most of the examples discussed in the text. Intended for all students regardless of musical training, POPULAR MUSIC IN AMERICA is ideal for the introductory course in popular music. In essence, it is a music appreciation text with popular music as its subject.