History of Rock & Roll

VOYA - Kellie Shoemaker

Historical overviews of any subject are often difficult for young adults to warm up to, but Shirley has managed to corral a detailed and involved subject into a readable, entertaining, and informative look at the development of rock and roll. From the first recording, "Rocket 88" by the Ike Turner Band, to the musical group Nirvana, The History of Rock and Roll spans forty-five years of personalities, recordings, controversies, and trends to give teens a perspective from which to enjoy music today. Although Shirley's musical journey is an enjoyable one, several things are lacking. First, the scope and selection criteria he used should have been included. Most teens probably would not notice some of the omissions, but I found them distracting. How can a history of rock and roll not include Otis Redding, The Platters, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Rod Stewart, Queen, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Van Halen, or Don McLean? And the Rolling Stones member is Keith Richards, with an "s"-not Keith Richard, as it is spelled throughout the book (even in the index!). Despite these distractions, or perhaps because of them, this title is a manageable and inviting choice for teens who are interested in the subject but lack the skills, time, or desire to invest in the more comprehensive books available. Refer rock and roll purists, however, to the encyclopedias on the reference shelves. Index. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. Appendix. VOYA Codes: 3Q 4P M J S (Readable without serious defects, Broad general YA appeal, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8, Junior High-defined as grades 7 to 9 and Senior High-defined as grades 10 to 12).

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10This overview gives little sense of the historical context in which the music was created. Rather than using a strict chronological organization, Shirley has chosen to tell individual stories of key personalities straight throughElvis, Little Richard, etc. For example, after the author follows the Beatles through their 1970 breakup, he starts back in the `50s chronicling the folk movement. This approach is successful in telling the individual stories, but going back and forth across decades from chapter to chapter can be confusing. It is difficult to see connections and draw parallels among things that were happening at the same time. Many bands are covered in short paragraphs that seem to exist only so the groups will receive mentionbut why devote two sentences to a dismissive swipe at the group Chicago in a section on jazz influences in rock and not mention Steely Dan at all? Sidebars provide sketches of obscure or neglected figures and rock events. Black-and-white publicity photos are scattered throughout and an appendix lists inductees into the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame.Tim Wadham, Dallas Public Library, TX