American Popular Music Recommendations - All

BOOKS for ADULTS

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Deliver Us From Temptation: The Tragic and Shocking Story of the Temptations and Motown

by Tony Turner
Publishers Group West, 1992

Former Tempations road manager Tony Turner gives an uncensored account of these Motown hitmakers. The rise and fall of the group and its members are recounted in a tale that should inform and surprise any fan of the group.

Hollywood Rhapsody: Movie Music and Its Makers, 1900 to 1975

by Gary Marmorstein
Schirmer Books, 1997

A history of the composers, arrangers and orchestrators who wrote some of the most well-known scores for film. Includes several pages discussing the work of Burt Bacharach.

Motown : Music, Money, Sex, and Power

by Gerald Posner
Random House, 2002

A behind-the-scenes look at the recording label that provided the “soundtrack to a generation.” Covers the highs and lows of the label and its artists over several decades.

Settling the Score: Music and the Classical Hollywood Film

by Kathryn Kalinak
The University of Wisconsin Press, 1992

Examines the theory of writing film scores. The text goes into some depth in describing the function and composition of film scores in a style that avoids the use of overly technical jargon. Part 2 uses specific examples to demonstrate how scores contribute to the experience of watching a film, including a chapter devoted to John Williams’ score for “The Empire Strikes Back.”

The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Jazz

by Loren Schoenberg
Grand Central Press, 2002

Begins with a brief history of jazz as well as a succinct analysis of its various styles. Also included is a section with short biographies of some of the music’s greatest innovators, and another devoted to descriptions of 50 outstanding jazz tunes and what makes them such classics. A great book for the new-to-jazz fan and the more seasoned listener alike.

The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Popular Standards

by Max Morath
Grand Central Press, 2002

Begins with a history of the American popular standard as well as a non-technical analysis of popular songs and their musical construction. The majority of the book is devoted to brief entries on the primary songwriters and performers associated with the idiom. A separate chapter covers the familiar songs that most typify the American popular standard.

They're Playing Our Song : Conversations with America's Classic Songwriters

by Max Wilk
Da Capo Press, 1997

As the title implies, this book is comprised of conversations with over two dozen of the greatest American songwriters. They share their life stories, influences, and opinions, providing a rare look into the creative process involved in writing hit songs. Reminiscences and anecdotes from other artists and people who knew them well also serve to fill out the personality of the artists profiled.

MUSIC

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In Full Swing: Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio

by Mark O’Connor [with Jane Monheit]
Odyssey, 2003

Mark O’Connor, violin; Frank Vignola, guitar; Jon Burr, bass; with guests Wynton Marsalis on trumpet and Jane Monheit, vocals. Collection of early jazz tributes to the great jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli.

Legacy

by Temptations
Motown, 2004

The latest recording from this legendary group that continues the evolution of the Motown sound.

Lullabies and Goodnight

by Doc Severinsen
Critique, 2003

The former Tonight Show bandleader plays trumpet and flugelhorn in this collection of instrumental lullabies with accompaniment by woodwinds, guitars and a symphony orchestra.

The very Best of Burt Bacharach

by Dionne Warwick
Rhino, 2001

Performances of the artist’s timeless classics by Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and others.

What the World Needs Now: Burt Bacharach Classics

by Burt Bacharach
A&M Records, 2003

Burt Bacharach conducts and performs his many classic contributions to the American popular songbook.

Williams on Williams: the Classic Spielberg Scores

by John Williams
Sony Classical, 1995

John Williams conducts the Boston Pops Orchestra in music written for the blockbuster films of director Steven Spielberg. Includes selections from the scores to such hits as E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Hook, and more.

WEBSITES

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all about jazz
http://www.allaboutjazz.com

Extensive catalogue of music cd, concert and festival reviews as well as upcoming events, artist interviews, a jazz timeline, suggestions for building a jazz library . . . there’s something for everyone on this site.

Motown Historical Museum
http://www.motownmuseum.com

Brief history of “Hitsville, U.S.A.” along with description of the Detroit museum. “Motown Artists” link provides short bios of some of the major groups and artists associated with the Motown sound, including the Temptations.

The Film Music Society
http://www.filmmusicsociety.org

The official site of this nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting the art and technique of film scoring. “Resources and Links” page provides links to biographies and websites to over 50 of the most recognized movie composers. Searchers can find biographies, discographies and more about the life and work of these composers.

Burt Bacharach: A House Is Not a Homepage
http://www.bacharachonline.com

An unofficial site dedicated to the music of composer and performer Burt Bacharach. Includes lengthy biography with a link to the artist’s official press kit bio. Other features include a discography, list of upcoming tour dates, lyrics and chords to most of his hit songs, images and much more.