Music in Black American Life, 1945-2020: A University of Illinois Press Anthology

This second volume of Music in Black American Life collects groundbreaking work that redefines our view of Black music and its place in American music history, with contributions from a group of predominately Black scholars. The articles explore topics such as the World War II jazz scene, female artists, the South Bronx milieu, and Hamilton's success in mainstreaming Black music.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

This second volume of Music in Black American Life presents a rich tapestry of research and analysis, drawing from esteemed journals such as American Music and Black Music Research Journal, as well as two esteemed book series published by the University of Illinois Press: Music in American Life and African American Music in Global Perspective. A collective of predominantly Black scholars has curated this collection, delving into a diverse range of topics through groundbreaking works that have pioneered new methodologies and approaches to the study of Black music.

Within these excerpts and articles, the reader is transported to the vibrant World War II jazz scene, where legendary artists like gospel star Shirley Caesar and jazz musician-arranger Melba Liston emerged. The South Bronx milieu, where rap was born, is explored, shedding light on the fusion of various forms of black expressive culture into this powerful art form. Moreover, the authors shed light on Hamilton's extraordinary success, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in the tanning of American culture, which began with the mainstream integration of Black music.

As a comprehensive resource, Music in Black American Life, 1945–2020 serves as both a sourcebook and a survey of historic music scholarship. It collects groundbreaking work that redefines our understanding of Black music and its profound impact on American music history. The contributors to this volume are a distinguished group of scholars, each bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table.

Nelson George, Wayne Everett Goins, Claudrena N. Harold, Eileen M. Hayes, Loren Kajikawa, Robin D. G. Kelley, Tammy L. Kernodle, Cheryl L. Keyes, Gwendolyn Pough, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Mark Tucker, and Sherrie Tucker are among the esteemed scholars who have contributed their insights and research to this remarkable collection.

Their collective efforts have produced a treasure trove of knowledge that will captivate scholars, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Black music and its profound influence on American culture. This second volume of Music in Black American Life is a testament to the power of scholarship and the importance of preserving and celebrating the diverse voices and contributions of Black musicians throughout history.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044588