Rock and Roll Its History and Stylistic Development

Offering an unparalleled combination, this book provides both a historical survey of rock from its evolution in the mid1950s to the 21st century and introduces the elements of music exclusively through rock and roll. Rock and Roll addresses a multitude of rock variations amid a bewildering array of styles. From soft rock to heavy metal to country rock, each style is acutely analyzed with equal emphasis and an objective point of view. The Beatles, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, and Chicago are only a few of the many great rock artists who are featured in order to exemplify stylistic characteristics throughout the book. Biographical information and in-depth examinations of their blockbuster hits are also highlighted. The Fourth Edition contains an entirely new chapter of recent developments in rock history, from the return of classic rock acts, through alternative styles including rap, new jack swing, post-punk hardcore, thrash metal, and grunge. There are also useful updates of earlier chapters, the Discography, and the Bibliography. In addition: OVERVIEWS succinctly discuss the principal topic of each section, for example: historical trends, social interrelationships, and the extramusical environment. MUSICAL CLOSE-UPS conclude each chapter and spotlight the technical musical elements, including instrumentation in rock, 12-bar blues, and rhythm in early rock. A FOUR-DECADE ROCK HISTORY review offers eight basic statements and an editorial reflecting the authors' subjective judgments on the status and future of rock and roll. NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS help you to understand the musical components of various styles.Stuessy, Joe is the author of 'Rock and Roll Its History and Stylistic Development', published 2002 under ISBN 9780130993700 and ISBN 0130993700.