Musical World: Modern World History as You've Never Heard it Before

Musical World is a new soundtrack to pivotal historical moments from the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring music from a vast range of genres. Jeffrey Boakye explores the roots and wider impact of these genres, touching on why they were celebrated or seen as problematic, their political and cultural impact, and their ongoing legacy today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

From the acclaimed author of "Musical Truth" comes a captivating new soundtrack that delves into pivotal historical moments from across the globe. Spanning from the legendary Billie Holliday to the iconic Aretha Franklin, the influential Fela Kuti to the disco diva Donna Summer, and the legendary Elton John to the king of pop, Michael Jackson, it emerges that a remarkable 40 classic tunes have the power to reflect and encapsulate the defining historical events of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Musical World presents a diverse range of music genres, including jazz, rock 'n' roll, disco, and hip-hop, showcasing the rich tapestry of musical expressions throughout history. In this captivating documentary, Jeffrey Boakye, a teacher, historian, and broadcaster, embarks on a fascinating exploration of the origins and far-reaching impact of these genres. He delves into the reasons why they were celebrated or deemed problematic, their political and cultural significance, and their enduring legacy in today's world.

The soundtrack features a captivating dance that sparked a new era of sexual liberation, feminism, the Vietnam War, the partitioning of Africa, antisemitism, HIV, homosexuality, and the transformative influence of disco. Each track tells a unique story, evoking a range of emotions and provoking thought. This is a brand-new perspective on world history, one that is both memorable and outspoken, shedding light on hitherto unspoken narratives. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired by the power of music as it unfolds the tapestry of human history.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571377497
Edition number: Main