Book description
A gripping narrative that captures the tumult and liberating energy of a nation in transition, Sweet Soul Music is an intimate portrait of the legendary performers--Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Al Green among them--who merged gospel and rhythm and blues to create…
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Why read it?
1 author picked Sweet Soul Music as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I was drawn to Peter Guralnick’s clear prose and obvious passion for the music and musicians he explores–and his deep commitment to helping his readers understand why he cares so much.
His books highlight how engaging nonfiction writing must be built upon rich reporting and walking the invisible line where enthusiasm for a subject never becomes sycophancy. I could say the same about all of Guralnick’s books, but this book was a profound inspiration as I was really grappling with how to convey my own passion for music in words.
From Alan's list on books that changed the way I think and write about music.
If you love Sweet Soul Music...
Ghosts
Known more for his books on Mayas, Aztecs, and Spanish conquistadors, historian Matthew Restall's latest book takes his deepest dive yet into the history of pop music.
In the late-1970s, three music-obsessed, suburban London teenagers set out to make their own kind of pop music: after years of struggle, success…
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