Theo Cateforis - The Rock History Reader [2006] [A]

The study of rock music has become entrenched in higher learning. Yet as instructors encounter younger and younger students for whom rock's history is either a shadowy, distant phenomenon or, conversely, an entity that seems too familiar, the need for a book that illuminates rock's historical formation has become increasingly urgent. To be sure, there are numerous textbooks that supply a narrative of rock's general stylistic development. Still there exists no anthology of historically based readings that sufficiently brings to life the often contentious issues, arguments, conflicts and creative tensions that have defined rock's momentous rise and spread. "The Rock History Reader" seeks to fill that gap. Either as a primary textbook or as a supplement to a narrative history, "The Rock History" "Reader" promises to set a new standard for introductory courses on the topic.

About the Author
Theo Cateforis is an assistant professor of music history and culture in the Department of Fine Arts at Syracuse University, where he specializes in popular music, American music and Twentieth-century art music. His articles have appeared in American Music and The Journal of Popular Music Studies.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars, Incredibly interesting, March 22, 2009
By Kyle Wilson
I got this for a Rock History class, but I've started to just read it in my leisure time. It's an assembly of reprinted old documents relevant to different musical eras, including: a section from Chuck Berry's autobiography, a NY Times review of Elvis's first TV appearance, a criticism of rock criticism in the 70's by a former Rolling Stone rock critic, and so much more. Really gives you a good sense of the themes and culture surrounding music.