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Crooner

Singing from the Heart from Sinatra to Nas
By Alex Coles
Series: Reverb
0.0 (0 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Crooner by Alex Coles, readers explore the intertwining world of music and culture through an insightful narrative about the life and times of a charming, enigmatic vocalist. The story delves deep into the personal and professional challenges the protagonist faces, capturing the essence of their pursuit of artistic expression against a backdrop of changing social dynamics. Set in a richly detailed arts scene, the book offers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of fame and identity through the eyes of a captivating performer.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the world of music and its cultural impact. It explores the rich history and influence of crooners, offering insights into the intersection of music, identity, and society through engaging narratives and analysis.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An exploration of the crooner in popular music from the 1950s to the present.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Crooners sing close to the mic in a soft, intimate style. In this book, Alex Coles explores the crooner in popular music from the 1950s to the present.

Each chapter focuses on one song and one singer—Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, Barry White, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Tom Waits, Grace Jones, Ian McCulloch, Nick Cave, and Nas—and examines in detail how each contributes to the crooner image.

The book describes how crooners traverse era, gender, geography, and genre—where Barry White developed out of disco, Nick Cave sprung from alternative rock; where Grace Jones was born from reggae and funk, Nas originated from hip-hop.

Ultimately, Coles shows how the crooner continues to be a figure that enables listeners to reflect on and communicate their emotions.

Series: Reverb

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  • Crooner
    Crooners sing close to the mic in a soft, intimate style. In this book, Alex Coles explores the crooner in popular music from the 1950s to the present. Each chapter focuses on one song and one singer—Frank Sinatra, Scott Walker, Barry White, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Tom Waits, Grace Jones, Ian McCulloch, Nick Cave, and Nas—and examines in detail how...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of Crooner by Alex Coles praise its imaginative approach and thorough exploration of the crooner persona within broader historical and cultural contexts. The book is noted for striking a balance between passion for the subject and insightful narrative, offering both casual music fans and academics a rich exploration of this music style. Coles's focus on less-known tracks for analysis adds depth and showcases the multifaceted nature of crooning, contributing significantly to the literature on popular music.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789147667

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 40 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 148.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 208

Collections

Alex Coles Arts & Culture Music & Musicians Non-Fiction Series: Reverb

About the Author

Alex Coles is professor of arts and humanities at the University of Huddersfield. He is the author of several books, including Tainted Love: Twisted Romantic Ballads (2023).

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