Innovators in Music

Keeping in mind the long history of music and its powerful effect on the human social and cultural psyche, this brand-new volume in the Innovators series profiles the most innovative and important individuals in music history. From the classical and big band music of the 1940s to rock and roll of the 1950s and 1960s, the punk and disco of the 1970s, rap and hip-hop of the 1980s and 1990s, and electronic dance music of the 2000s, the history of music is immeasurably rich, with milestones that have revolutionized our society. This new title examines those individuals most responssible for the technology and strategies behind music today, from the community of musical performers who first became recording artists to the musicians whose primary performances consist of digital recordings rather than live performances.

Music Innovators features more than 350 biographies of individuals who have had a significant influence on the development of music, culminating with the advent of digital recording and downloading and beyond, with an emphasis on both musicians and production. Biographies represent a strong multi-ethnic, cross-gender focus, with accompanying sidebars describing the affiliation with which that individual is most often associated. Among the editors' criteria for inclusion in the set was an individual's historical significance, whether through their representation of their particular genre; his or her relevance to popular culture; or his or her appeal to high school and undergraduate students and general readers.

The entries in Music Innovators include Early Life, which provides facts about the individuals upbringing; Life's Work, the heart of the article, consists of a straightforward, generally chronological account of how the individual gained recognition, emphasizing their most significant endeavors and achievements-and failures; Personal Information, includes post-achievement activities or positions, family life, and topics of general interest; Further Reading, provides a starting point for additional research.

Each essay averages 3,000 words in length and spans three large volumes, examining over 350 individuals and personalities who had an influential impact on the music industry. Biographies include: Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Ani DiFranco, Peter Gabriel, Arlo Guthrie, Janis Joplin, Patti LaBelle, John Lennon, Annie Lennox, Little Richard, Nicki Minaj, Willie Nelson, Itzhak Perlman, Lou Reed, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, Michael Stipe, Kanye West, Hank Williams, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and many more.

The entries also include several features that distinguish this series from other biographical reference works. The back matter includes a timeline; a category index; hall of fame of music and musicians; music award ceremonies; alphabetical index; sidebars; and dozens of images of biographical subjects.

Music Innovators provides students with a look at history making individuals in the world of music. Designed specifically for high school and undergraduate audiences, the Innovators series is edited to align with secondary or high school curriculum standards. This title is an indispensible reference for anyone looking to excel or has a general interest in the music industry.