Blackbird: How Black Musicians Sang the Beatles into Being—and Sang Back to Them Ever After

The Beatles recognized their debt to Black music, and "Blackbird" goes deeper, appreciating unacknowledged forerunners and Black artists whose interpretations keep the Beatles in play. Kapurch and Smith present unheard stories and resituate old ones, offering the phrase "transatlantic flight" to characterize a back-and-forth dialogue shaped by Black musicians. They find a lineage that reaches back to Florence Mills and Lead Belly, and take readers into the twenty-first century, when Black artists like Bettye LaVette harness the Beatles for today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

From the very beginning, the Beatles openly acknowledged their profound debt to Black music, evident in their renditions of iconic songs by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, the Shirelles, and other giants of R&B. However, their journey goes even deeper, recognizing the unsung forerunners and Black artists who have kept the Beatles' music alive and relevant. In their captivating book, "Blackbird: The Beatles, Chuck Berry, and the Music That Changed America," Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith embark on a groundbreaking exploration of this musical legacy. Through extensive interviews with Black musicians and using the song "Blackbird" as a focal point, they present a fresh and compelling narrative that challenges our understanding of the Beatles' influence.

Kapurch and Smith trace a lineage that extends back to the very roots of American popular music, unearthing connections between the original twentieth-century blackbird, Florence Mills, and the legendary King of the Twelve String, Lead Belly. They further extend the circular flight path, taking readers into the twenty-first century, where Black artists like Bettye LaVette continue to harness the timeless music of the Beatles for contemporary audiences.

"Blackbird" is a meticulously researched and thoughtfully written work that delves into the rich but often contentious symbolism embedded in the Beatles' music and storytelling. It appeals to those who seek a deeper understanding of the evolution of popular music, offering insights that will forever alter our perception of the band and their iconic song.

In conclusion, "Blackbird: The Beatles, Chuck Berry, and the Music That Changed America" is a must-read for music enthusiasts, historians, and anyone who appreciates the profound impact of Black music on the world of popular culture. It is a testament to the enduring power of music and the enduring influence of the Beatles on generations of artists.

Weight: 513g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095615