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The Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World
A Newbery Honor author tells about the blues while profiling ten of the most celebrated blues singers of last century, including Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and James Brown, in a boldly illustrated picture book. 15,000 first printing.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2001
About the author
Julius Lester
121 books184 followersJulius Lester was an American writer of books for children and adults. He was an academic who taught for 32 years (1971–2003) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was also a photographer, as well as a musician who recorded two albums of folk music and original songs.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 22, 2022
I read this in preparation for a lesson. It was a great read. Short little bios on Blues greats: BB King, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith , etc. I loved the recommended listening list in the back.
August 1, 2023
This amazing book features ten awesome jazz artists including Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, Mahalia Jackson, and more! There are a few pages on each artist, and the writing is really engaging and fun, it really keeps you wanting to read more. For homeschooling last year, we did a unit study on blues/jazz singers. This was one of our favorite books that we read. I loved that it covered more than one artist while still keeping your interest. This is a great book if you are learning about blues artists or just want an educational book to read for fun! Thank you for reading! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
June 20, 2020
The Blues Singers takes a look at ten of the greatest blues singers of the twentieth century and we hear about them as though listening in on a conversation between Lester and his granddaughter. It's full of interesting facts, vibrant illustrations, and a highly accessible narration style. In some ways it is out of date (half of the ten were alive when this book was published, and none of them are living today), but it largely holds up. I thought some of the discourse surrounding disability left a bit to be desired, but overall the book was great. Recommended!
March 20, 2013
Summary
This book is of a grandfather talking to his granddaughter about ten of the greatest blues artist and artist that affected the blues industry. When his granddaughter would visit in the summer, he would tell his granddaughter stories about different people in history. This one particular summer he wanted to introduce her to blues singers. In each chapter he talks about the struggles and successes in the lives of blues greats Bessie Smith (“the Empress of the Blues”), Robert Johnson (“the King of the Delta Blues Singers”), Mahalia Jackson, Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) Billie Holiday, (“Lady Day”), B.B. King (born Riley B. King), Ray Charles (born Ray Charles Robinson), Little Richard (born Richard Wayne Penniman), James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. The childlike bright paintings appeal to the senses of children giving them a feeling of who theses artist are/were.
Response
This book reminded me of my childhood. When I was in elementary school we were introduced to different types of music, instruments and artist. We were all taught how to play different instruments, taking turns with each instrument for about a week or so. I artist we learned about that I remember was Mahalia Jackson. I remember her because I had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times, at a church and in the home of some of her relatives.
Classroom Connection
After reading the book to the class I would connect this book to a research and writing assignment. I would have students research other great blues artist whose life was not detailed in the book. I would have them write about artist such as Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Junior Lockwood, Etta James, Ma Rainey, and Koko Taylor. They will detail the artist birth date, childhood, how they developed and interest in music, when they started in music, first recordings, and all awards and accomplishment.
Text Complexity
This book is a 1040L Lexile measure with a Guided Reading level T. There is an interest level of Grades PreK – 3 and DRA level of 50. Students should be able to read this book by themselves during the beginning of 5th Grade.
This book is of a grandfather talking to his granddaughter about ten of the greatest blues artist and artist that affected the blues industry. When his granddaughter would visit in the summer, he would tell his granddaughter stories about different people in history. This one particular summer he wanted to introduce her to blues singers. In each chapter he talks about the struggles and successes in the lives of blues greats Bessie Smith (“the Empress of the Blues”), Robert Johnson (“the King of the Delta Blues Singers”), Mahalia Jackson, Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) Billie Holiday, (“Lady Day”), B.B. King (born Riley B. King), Ray Charles (born Ray Charles Robinson), Little Richard (born Richard Wayne Penniman), James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. The childlike bright paintings appeal to the senses of children giving them a feeling of who theses artist are/were.
Response
This book reminded me of my childhood. When I was in elementary school we were introduced to different types of music, instruments and artist. We were all taught how to play different instruments, taking turns with each instrument for about a week or so. I artist we learned about that I remember was Mahalia Jackson. I remember her because I had the opportunity to meet her a couple of times, at a church and in the home of some of her relatives.
Classroom Connection
After reading the book to the class I would connect this book to a research and writing assignment. I would have students research other great blues artist whose life was not detailed in the book. I would have them write about artist such as Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Junior Lockwood, Etta James, Ma Rainey, and Koko Taylor. They will detail the artist birth date, childhood, how they developed and interest in music, when they started in music, first recordings, and all awards and accomplishment.
Text Complexity
This book is a 1040L Lexile measure with a Guided Reading level T. There is an interest level of Grades PreK – 3 and DRA level of 50. Students should be able to read this book by themselves during the beginning of 5th Grade.
December 12, 2013
Another excellent work by Julius Lester. He narrates the story as if he were telling stories to his grandchild. Thus, there is a personal and rather intimate feel to this book. In it, Lester introduces the reader to 10 of the world's best and most influential blues singers in history. The illustrations by Lisa Cohen are also excellent and complements Lester's words very well. The end result is a book that is personal, engaging, and sharp that readers will enjoy.
I think this book can be introduced to upper middle, middle, and high school students. The words are not too complex and, as usual, Lester uses simple words that get straight to the point rather than flowery imagery.
I think this book can be introduced to upper middle, middle, and high school students. The words are not too complex and, as usual, Lester uses simple words that get straight to the point rather than flowery imagery.
August 4, 2015
As an adult, I found this to be a fascinating read. There were several artists that I never heard of and some favorites that there were little known tidbits I found out about them. Def. my favorite JL book to date. Loved the abstract art throughout the book, but that seems to be his signature.
September 25, 2016
Really great as a celebration of excellent musicians, excellent music, transmission of culture from grandparent to grandchild, and tremendous storytelling. It makes me wish I was part of such a great tradition. It is great that is also includes a list for both further reading and further listening.
November 28, 2011
Got it for my kids, but read it myself and learned a lot!
October 20, 2013
A brief introduction to some of the blues greats. I'm ready to introduce my students to some culture and treat them to some new music.
October 23, 2016
Julius Lester writes like he's telling you a story. I love reading his books aloud.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews