Ducktails, Drive-ins, and Broken Hearts: An Unsweetened Look at '50s Music

Ducktails, Drive-Ins, and Broken Hearts is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the winners and losers during rock 'n' roll's formative era, based on hundreds of hours of interviews and new research. It offers a glimpse into the cringe-worthy, politically incorrect music of the 50s and the stories of the people who made it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: State University of New York Press

Hank Davis, a music journalist with a 45-year career, has written a book titled Ducktails, Drive-Ins, and Broken Hearts, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the winners and losers during rock 'n' roll's formative era. Based on hundreds of hours of interviews and new research, the book explores the decade's cringe-worthy, politically incorrect music, the challenges of being a musician in the 50s, and the stories of those who made it big. Davis has spent time backstage, in motel rooms, and on tour buses to uncover stories that rarely made the official annals of pop music history.

One of the key themes of the book is the contrast between the uptight and puritanical nature of the 50s and the music that was produced during that time. Despite the strict social norms and censorship, many artists were able to create music that was both innovative and groundbreaking. However, many of these artists also faced challenges, such as censorship, discrimination, and financial difficulties.

One of the most interesting stories in the book is the story of Elvis Presley. Presley was a young, unknown singer from Memphis who became a global sensation in the 1950s. His music was characterized by his unique style, his powerful voice, and his charismatic stage presence. However, his success was not without its challenges. Presley's music was often criticized for its sexually explicit lyrics, and he was often portrayed as a rebel by the mainstream media.

Despite these challenges, Presley's music continued to sell millions of records and he became a cultural icon. His music was used in movies, television shows, and commercials, and he was even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. However, his life was cut short in 1977 when he died of a heart attack at the age of 42.

Another interesting story in the book is the story of the Beatles. The Beatles were a British rock band that formed in 1960 and became one of the most successful bands of all time. Their music was characterized by its catchy melodies, innovative arrangements, and social commentary. However, their success was not without its challenges. The band was often criticized for its drug use and its rebellious attitude, and they were banned from performing in the United States for several years.

Despite these challenges, the Beatles continued to create music that was both innovative and groundbreaking. Their music was used in movies, television shows, and commercials, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. However, their success was not without its toll. The band's members were often in conflict with each other, and they eventually broke up in 1970.

In addition to the stories of Elvis Presley and the Beatles, the book also includes stories of other musicians and singers from the 1950s. These stories include the story of Ritchie Valens, who was a young Mexican-American singer who died in a plane crash in 1959. Valens was known for his unique style of music, which blended Mexican folk music with rock 'n' roll. He was also a member of the band the Texas Playboys, which was one of the most successful bands of the 1950s.

Another story in the book is the story of the Beach Boys. The Beach Boys were a California-based rock band that formed in 1961 and became one of the most successful bands of the 1960s. Their music was characterized by its catchy melodies, innovative arrangements, and social commentary. However, their success was not without its challenges. The band was often criticized for its drug use and its rebellious attitude, and they were banned from performing in the United States for several years.

Despite these challenges, the Beach Boys continued to create music that was both innovative and groundbreaking. Their music was used in movies, television shows, and commercials, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. However, their success was not without its toll. The band's members were often in conflict with each other, and they eventually broke up in 1993.

In addition to the stories of musicians and singers, the book also includes stories of the people who worked behind the scenes in the music industry. These stories include the story of Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, who was a pioneer in the recording industry. Phillips was known for his innovative recording techniques and his ability to spot talent. He was also a controversial figure, as he was known for his racist and sexist attitudes.

Despite these challenges, Phillips' legacy continues to live on. His recordings of Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, and the Beach Boys have become some of the most iconic recordings of all time. His influence on the music industry has been immense, and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

In conclusion, Ducktails, Drive-Ins, and Broken Hearts is a fascinating book that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the winners and losers during rock 'n' roll's formative era. Based on hundreds of hours of interviews and new research, the book explores the decade's cringe-worthy, politically incorrect music, the challenges of being a musician in the 50s, and the stories of those who made it big. Whether you are a fan of 50s music or not, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781438492681