The Rock History Reader (PDF)

These days "rock music" courses are ubiquitous at most universities and colleges, but until recently instructors seeking an anthology of readings on the History of Rock have looked in vain. The Rock History Reader aims to fill that gap. Through a variety of primary source materials, the Rock History Reader introduces students to the conflicts, critical tensions and inspired creativity that have defined rock music as a social practice throughout its five decade history. Featuring nearly sixty chapters, the Reader ranges from the vivid autobiographical accounts of such rock icons as Chuck Berry, Ronnie Spector and David Lee Roth to the writings of noted rock critics like Lester Bangs and Simon Reynolds. Beyond this, readers will find selections from the pens of media critics, musicologists, fanzine writers, legal experts, sociologists and prominent political figures like Tipper Gore. Many entries also deal specifically with distinctive styles such as Motown, punk, disco, grunge, rap and indie pop. With numerousreadings that delve into the often explosive issues surrounding censorship, copyright, race relations, feminism, youth subcultures and the meaning of musical value, the Rock History Reader will appeal to scholars and students from a variety of disciplines.