Full Description
This new series, co-sponsored with The Center for Black Music Research of Columbia College, seeks to increase our understanding of black music genres and their importance to the cultures of the Atlantic world, including their influence on African musical styles. Books in the series will examine the wide-ranging music of the African diaspora--including the folk-derived musical styles of the Americas as well as European-influenced concert hall music of the entire black Atlantic world--by analyzing issues critical to our interpretation of the music itself and exploring the relationships between music and the other black expressive arts. Focusing on blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, and soul music, California Soul is one of the first books to explore the rich musical heritage of African Americans in California. The contributors describe in detail the individual artists, locales, groups, musical styles, and regional qualities, and the result is an important book that lays the groundwork for a whole new field of study.
The essays draw from oral histories, music recordings, newspaper articles and advertisements, as well as population statistics to provide insightful discussions of topics like the California urban milieu's influence on gospel music, the development of the West Coast blues style, and the significance of Los Angeles's Central Avenue in the early days of jazz. Other essays offer perspectives on how individual musicians have been shaped by their African American heritage, and on the role of the record industry and radio in the making of music. In addition to the diverse range of essays, the book includes the most comprehensive bibliography now available on African American music and culture in California.
Contents
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, CHARTS, AND TABLES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Jacqueline Cogdell Dje!Jje and Eddie S. Meadows
I MUSIC IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
1. Way out West on Central: Jazz in the African-American Community of Los Angeles before 1930
Michael B. Bakan
2. "Pitchin' up a Boogie": African-American Musicians, Nightlife, and Music Venues in Los Angeles, 1930-1945
Ralph Eastman
3· Oakland Blues
Part 1. Essay
Lee Hildebrand
Part 2. A Conversation with Bob Geddins
James C. Moore Sr.
4· The California Black Gospel Music Tradition:
A Confluence of Musical Styles and Cultures
Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje
II MUSIC AND THE MEDIA
5· Insider Perspectives on the American Afrikan Popular Music Industry and Black Radio
Kwaku Person-Lynn
Part 1: The Popular Music Industry: An Interview withAl Bell
Part 2: Black Radio in Los Angeles, 1980-1987:An Interview with Pam Robinson
6. California Rhythm and Blues Recordings, 1942-1972: A Diversity of Styles
Willie R. Collins
7· Mrican Americans and "Lites Out Jazz" in San Diego:Marketing, Impact, and Criticism
Eddie S. Meadows
III THE MUSICIAN AS INNOVATOR
8. Clara Bryant: Gender Issues in the Career of a West Coast Jazz Musician
Danica L. Stein
9. The Gospel of Andrae Crouch: A Black Angeleno
Jean Kzdula
10. Brenda Holloway: Los Angeles's Contribution to Motown
Kimasi L. Browne
APPENDIX: SOURCE MATERIALS AND GUIDE TO AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC,MUSICIANS, AND CULTURE IN CALIFORNIA
David Martinelli
PART 1. SOURCE MATERIALS
PART 2. GUIDE TO SOURCE MATERIALS
CONTRIBUTORS
INDEX
