Tempo: A Series on Rock, Pop, and Culture

Warren Zevon (1947-2003) was one of the most innovative songwriters in recent popular music history, and Plasketes captures the full range of Zevon's skills in the first full-length biography... — Publishers Weekly More…

In nine fascinating chronological chapters, music and literature critic Donald Brown analyzes Bob Dylan's recording career. Drawing on an array of published sources but mostly the recordings... — Choice More…

Historian and musician West's book is an excellent look at how the Police accomplished success by synthesizing disparate influences into 'marketable, mainstream music, which has remained viable... — Publishers Weekly More…

How did a Jewish kid from Queens end up on top of the musical pyramid? That's the question Bonca seeks to answer in his insightful portrait of Paul Simon, who, at 72, remains at the top of his... — Booklist More…

Ska music, often recognized as the precursor to reggae, originated in Jamaica in the 1950s, achieved worldwide popularity in the '70s and '80s, and remains influential today. This book thoroughly... — Booklist More…

Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson first became known in 1970, when he was awarded the Country Music Award for his song 'Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down,' as sung by Johnny Cash. Hurd provides... — Publishers Weekly More…

Phil Spector: Sound of the Sixties follows the ups and downs of Spector's career as an entrepreneur and businessman, technical wizard and musical visionary, record label master, and collaborator... — Beat More…

First-time author Neufeld, a professor of biblical and religious studies at Fresno Pacific University, maintains that through an 'ever-changing interplay of artistic expression and social engagement,'... — Publishers Weekly More…

Musicologist Duchan presents an informative and entertaining look at the work of pop superstar Billy Joel, positioning his songs in the canon of 20th-century pop music. Despite Joel's multiplatinum... — Publishers Weekly More…