White Boy Singin' the Blues: The Black Roots of White Rock

by Michael Bane

"White Boy Singin' the Blues" is both a musical history of Memphis, the city which gave birth to rock'n'roll, and an examination of the ways in which white and black musics have interacted. In this work, Michael Bane examines the whole history of the music, from the black roots of spirituals and blues, through the beginnings of rock'n'roll, and its evolution through the Twist, the British Invasion, Motown, funk, Southern boogie, and disco. The result is an idiosyncratic history of rock, and a culturally penetrating account of this hybrid music.

Genres: Music

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Simon Burgess]

I like the fact that he has done his homework and included historical evidence as well as interviewing key players on their recollections and opinions. Delving into the roots of North American culture, he backs up the anecdotal with contextual observations, while including lots of quotes, generalisations and hyperbole for effect as befits the subject matter of most popular music. The harsh realities of racism, crime and economic necessity are all part of this story and included as such.