Jerry Wexler: "Rhythm & the Blues: A Life in American Music" 1st Edition (1993)

Description: You are bidding on an historical non-fiction book about one of the founders of one of the great independent soul labels from the Fifties and Sixties. This book is titled “Rhythm & The Blues: A Life in American Music,” and it is the autobiography of one of the most influential people in the music industry, Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records. The book was published in 1993, by Knopf. This is a Hardback edition with a Dust Jacket, in excellent condition. There are dozens of rare, pictures as well. In this book, you will read about the discovery, signings, and careers of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Professor Longhair, Wilson Pickett, Joe Turner, Solomon Burke, Otis Redding, Duane Allman, Dire Straits, Doug Sahm, and Carlos Santana! We have read the book, and we have to say that this is one of the most interesting memoirs from the glory days of rock, soul, and blues in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. This item has been stored at room temperature in a smoke free home. Please see photos of actual item being sold. “Wexler's account of how he talked his way into co-ownership of Atlantic Records and went on to produce some of the century's great pop music—all of which makes for some of the juiciest music history one could hope to find. As an insider's account of the golden age of rhythm and blues (a term Wexler coined), this memoir may be matched only by Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun's—if he chooses to write one. By turns regretful and boasting, Wexler offers a story that is above all a superlative read, with the sections describing his 1920's-30's Manhattan childhood as interesting as the more musically oriented later chapters. With help from Ritz (who's written bios of Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye), Wexler describes his years at Billboard magazine, his move to Atlantic, and his relationships with the Chess brothers, Alan Freed, Phil Spector, and many others. Colorfully colloquial and unflaggingly enthusiastic, Wexler makes important connections between various styles and artists—noting the influence of the blues, for example, on country balladeers—and shows what a complex cultural phenomenon the best pop has always been. Accounts of how he managed recording sessions with everyone from Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin to Bob Dylan reveal much about both music history and making. Wexler's contribution to the music is unquestionable, and there's plenty of material here that only he could provide. Many anecdotes—including an amazing account of a recording date with Guitar Slim—may pass into legend. For scholars and R&B/pop aficionados, a terrific read—in spite of and because of its idiosyncracies—and great fun for others as well”.

Price: 12 USD

Location: Dayton, Ohio

End Time: 2024-11-30T16:19:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.85 USD