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: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 23 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 delved into a diverse range of topics, pioneering innovative methodologies and approaches to studying Black music. Within these excerpts and articles, the World War II jazz scene is explored, female artists like gospel sensation Shirley Caesar and jazz musician-arranger Melba Liston are examined, the vibrant South Bronx milieu is illuminated, where rap emerged as a powerful expression of diverse black cultural forms, and the extraordinary success of Hamilton is analyzed as a pivotal moment in the tanning of American culture, sparked by the mainstream embrace 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 gathers groundbreaking work that reshapes 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 contributions span various aspects of Black music, including its historical development, cultural significance, and artistic expressions. From the jazz scene of World War II to the emergence of rap in the South Bronx, the authors shed light on the diverse ways in which Black music has shaped and influenced American society. They also explore the impact of female artists, such as Shirley Caesar and Melba Liston, on the genre, as well as the role of Hamilton in reshaping popular culture through its portrayal of Black history and identity.

This second volume of Music in Black American Life is a testament to the depth and breadth of Black music scholarship. It offers a valuable resource for researchers, students, and enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive exploration of the rich tapestry of Black music and its profound impact on American culture. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and methodologies, this collection contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the importance of diversity, representation, and inclusivity in music scholarship and beyond.

In conclusion, Music in Black American Life,1945–2020 is a groundbreaking collection that showcases the profound influence of Black music on American history and society. Through a diverse range of topics and innovative approaches, this volume redefines our understanding of Black music and its place in the broader context of American music history. The contributions of the esteemed scholars who have contributed to this collection are invaluable, and it serves as a testament to the ongoing importance of studying and appreciating the diverse musical traditions of Black Americans.

Dimension: 235 x 156 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252086663