The Story of African American Music (Lucent Library of Black History)

The influence of African Americans on music in the United States cannot be overstated. A large variety of musical genres owe their beginnings to black musicians. Jazz, rap, funk, rhythm and blues, and even techno have roots in African American culture. This volume chronicles the history of African American music, with spotlights on influential black musicians of the past and present. Historical and contemporary photographs, including primary sources, contribute to an in-depth look at this essential part of American musical history. The influence of African Americans on music in the United States cannot be overstated. A large variety of musical genres owe their beginnings to black musicians. Jazz, rap, funk, R & B, and even techno have roots in African American culture. This volume chronicles the history of African American music, with spotlights on influential black musicians of the past and present. Historical and contemporary photographs, including primary sources, contribute to an in-depth look at this essential part of American musical history. Black-and-White Photographs, Detailed Table of Contents, Full-Color Photographs, Further Information Section, Index, Primary Sources, Sidebars, Timelines, Websites Traces the history of African American music, from its origins with slaves to contemporary hip-hop, focusing on the contributions of such artists as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, and Beyonce.