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Let's Do It

The Birth of Pop
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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
Let's Do It traces the definitive history of pop music from 1900 to the mid-fifties, starting with the first 78 record in 1898 that marked the birth of recorded pop and mass-produced sheet music. The story unfolds from London and Vienna's early dominance, through America's rise with Ragtime and Jazz amid global upheaval. It highlights pivotal figures like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, and Bing Crosby, exploring the evolution of American popular culture and music, ultimately returning to London as a pop hub.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4500
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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 engaging history appeals to readers interested in the cultural evolution of music, fans of early jazz and pop, and those curious about the origins of popular culture in the 20th century.

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The must-read music book of the year: Bob Stanley's prequel to Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the only book that brings together all genres to tell the definitive story of the birth of Pop, from 1900 to the mid-fifties.

The must-read music book of the year: Bob Stanley's prequel to Yeah Yeah Yeah, Let's Do It is the only book that brings together all genres to tell the definitive story of the birth of Pop, from 1900 to the mid-fifties.

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

Let's Do It is the definitive history of the birth of Pop, from 1900 to the mid-fifties.

The story begins in 1898 with the first 78 record—the first recorded pop music and mass-produced sheet music. It starts with London (and to a degree Vienna) as the heart of popular music—there is no confidence in the American voice.

This begins to change with Ragtime, is exacerbated by Europe tearing itself to bits in WW1, and by the turn of the 1920s, America dominates popular culture.

The book features early blues stars Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington and the birth of Jazz, Broadway, Race Records and the parallel worlds of white and black music, Radio, Talking Pictures, Crooners such as Bing Crosby who was the first person to develop a new way of singing with a microphone, the dominance of Frank Sinatra, the man who signed both Billie Holliday and Bob Dylan, and more.

At the end of the book, the circle has turned and—just for a moment—London again has the pop pulse.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571372195

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Export - Airside ed

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 37.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 875g

Pages: 656

About the Author

Bob Stanley is a writer, musician, DJ, and film producer. Since founding influential pop group Saint Etienne, Bob has enjoyed a parallel career as a music journalist, contributing to publications such as the Times, Smash Hits, NME, the Guardian and the Face. A former artist-in-residence at the Southbank Centre, his films have been shown at the ICA and Royal Festival Hall, and he has curated several seasons for the Barbican. He is the author Yeah Yeah Yeah, which was the Sunday Times Pop Music Book of the Year and a Rough Trade Book of the Year. His previous book was Excavate: The Wonderful and Frightening World of The Fall, co-edited with Tessa Norton.

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