Black Music in America: A History Through Its People

This is much more than a survey of styles and personalities. A study of the music of an oppressed and segregated people must necessarily be a study of that experience. James Haskins vividly conveys the inseparable bond between black life in a predominantly white society and the music that results. His survey begins with the instruments and voices of the slaves. The music grew from there in many directions: the blues, jazz, ragtime, R & B, soul and rock 'n' roll. Detailed and authoritative, the writing is always clear and direct. Haskins combines historical fact, an individual story and the elusive mood of the music itself, in a lively, often moving book. (Photos not seen by PW.) Ages 12-up. (April)