Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America: A Cultural History of the Early 1960s

In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy and young people across the country were riding high, but this would soon give way to assassinations, the Vietnam War, Cold War crises, the civil rights movement, a new feminist movement, and various culture wars. Richard Aquila's Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America offers an in-depth look at early 1960s rock & roll and an unconventional history of Kennedy's America through the lens of popular music, rejecting the myth that Buddy Holly's death in 1959 was the day the music died.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

A Rousing, Poignant Look at the Cultural History of Rock & Roll during the Early 1960s

"Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America" by Richard Aquila is a captivating and poignant exploration of the cultural history of rock & roll during the early 1960s. The book received the prestigious Gold IPPY Book Award in the Category of Popular Culture by the Independent Publisher.

In the early 1960s, the United States was on the brink of a new era, known as the American Century. The optimism and energy of the baby boomer generation were shared by rock & roll, which became a symbol of youth and rebellion. For a brief moment, President John F. Kennedy and young people across the country were riding high, dreaming of a New Frontier and a brighter future.

However, the reality of the early 1960s was far more complex. Assassinations, the Vietnam War, Cold War crises, the civil rights movement, a new feminist movement, and various culture wars unfolded, shaping the nation's history in profound ways.

"Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America" offers an in-depth look at early 1960s rock & roll, providing an unconventional history of Kennedy's America through the lens of popular music. Based on extensive research and exclusive interviews with legendary figures such as Dion, Bo Diddley, Brenda Lee, Martha Reeves, Pete Seeger, Bob Gaudio, and Dick Clark, the book challenges the myth that Buddy Holly's death in 1959 marked the end of rock & roll. Instead, it demonstrates that rock & roll during this era was vibrant, in tune with the history and events of the colorful era.

Through these interviews and Aquila's research, the book offers unique insights and new details about politics, gender, race, ethnicity, youth culture, and everyday life. It recalls an important chapter in rock & roll and American history, reminding us of the power of music to connect and inspire.

In conclusion, "Rock & Roll in Kennedy's America" is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural history of the early 1960s and the intersection of music, politics, and society. Aquila's book provides a fresh perspective on this pivotal period, challenging stereotypes and revealing the rich tapestry of experiences and emotions that defined a generation.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421444987