The Blues Encyclopedia

This comprehensive two-volume set brings together all aspects of the blues from performers and musical styles to record labels and cultural issues, including regional evolution and history. Organized in an accessible A-to-Z format, the Encyclopedia of the Blues is an essential reference resource for information on this unique American music genre. For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of the Blues website.

This comprehensive two-volume set brings together all aspects of the blues from performers and musical styles to record labels and cultural issues, including regional evolution and history. Organized in an accessible A-to-Z format, the Encyclopedia of the Blues is an essential reference resource for information on this unique American music genre. Coverage includes: · The whole history of the blues, from its antecedents in African and American types of music to the contemporary styles performed today · Artists active throughout the United States and from foreign countries · The business of the blues, including individual record labels active since the prewar era · Aspects particular to blues lyrics and music · Specific issues such as race or gender as related to the blues · Reference lists of blues periodicals, blues newsletters, libraries, and museums.

Contains alphabetically arranged entries that provide information on the cities of origin, members, and music of some of the most popular rhythm and blues and doo wop groups.

The popular Encyclopedia of the Blues, first published by the University of Arkansas Press in 1992 and reprinted six times, has become an indispensable reference source for all involved with or intrigued by the music. The work alphabetizes hundreds of biographical entries, presenting detailed examinations of the performers and of the instruments, trends, recordings, and producers who have created and popularized this truly American art form.

The Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century is an alphabetically arranged encyclopedia of all aspects of music in various parts of the world during the 20th century. It covers the major musical styles--concert music, jazz, pop, rock, etc., and such key genres as opera, orchestral music, be-bop, blues, country, etc. Articles on individuals provide biographical information on their life and works, and explore the contribution each has made in the field. Illustrated and fully cross-referenced, the Encyclopedia of Music in the 20th Century also provides Suggested Listening and Further Reading information. A good first point of reference for students, librarians, and music scholars--as well as for the general reader.

Louisiana’s unique multicultural history has led to the development of more styles of American music than anywhere else in the country. Encyclopedia of Louisiana Musicians compiles over 1,600 native creators, performers, and recorders of the state’s indigenous musical genres. The culmination of years of exhaustive research, Gene Tomko’s comprehensive volume not only reviews major and influential artists but also documents for the first time hundreds of lesser-known notable musicians. Arranged in accessible A–Z format—from Fernest “Man” Abshire to Zydeco Ray—Tomko’s concise entries detail each musician’s life and career, reflecting exciting new discoveries about many enigmatic and early artists: Country Jim, Henry Zeno, Douglas Bellard, Good Rockin’ Bob, Blind Uncle Gaspard, Emma L. Jackson, and Rocket Morgan, to name just a few. A separate section features musicians from elsewhere who made an impact in Louisiana, such as Mississippi-born blues singer-songwriter-guitarist Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones and celebrated jazz pianist Billie Pierce, a native of Florida. The final section highlights key regional record producers and studio and label owners, like J. D. Miller, Stan Lewis, and Cosimo Matassa, who have enabled future generations to enjoy music of the Bayou State. Written with both the casual fan and the scholar in mind, Encyclopedia of Louisiana Musicians is the definitive reference on Louisiana’s rich musical legacy and the numerous important musicians it has produced.

The Billboard illustrated encyclopedia of jazz & blues is organized chronologically by decade. Each section gives a historical overview plus an A to Z of influential artists and their key recordings.