Mason Blake
What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History is a book by John Covach, Professor of Music at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music, and Andrew Flory, a Motown expert from Carleton College. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to rock history, covering topics such as the world before rock and roll, the British invasion, American responses, and the rise of alternative rock. It emphasizes listening skills and connects the music to its cultural and historical context. The book also addresses injustices within the music industry, including racism and the exploitation of Black artists.
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What You'll Learn
Rock music history
John Covach, a Professor of Music at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music, authored the book 'What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History'. The book provides an in-depth and musical perspective on rock, covering its roots and evolution. It delves into the music business, rock's visual culture, and contemporary music, offering a well-rounded understanding of rock's place in popular culture.
The book is informed by Covach's expertise as a teacher, music theorist, and performer. It includes listening guides to over 70 major works, enhancing the reader's experience and understanding. 'What's That Sound?' also addresses the injustices within the music industry, such as racism and the exploitation of Black artists, providing a critical perspective on the historical context of rock music.
The book has received positive reviews from readers, who appreciate its informative and readable nature. It takes readers on a journey through the evolution of music, exposing them to various musical styles. The text is complemented by a rich visual program, featuring images from musical and historical archives, making it a comprehensive introduction to rock history.
'What's That Sound?' is also available as a digital media package, including a Spotify-integrated ebook. This package helps students understand rock as a musical genre, emphasising listening skills and connecting the music to its cultural and historical context. The sixth edition of the book, published in 2022, features a curated collection of licensed hits and listening activities, further enhancing the learning experience.
Co-authored with Andrew Flory, a Motown expert, the book benefits from their combined knowledge and experience. Flory has taught rock history to hundreds of students and brought his classroom experience to the textbook. Together, Covach and Flory have contributed to a comprehensive and engaging resource for anyone interested in rock music history.
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The world before rock and roll
John Covach's book, "What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History", provides a comprehensive overview of the world before rock and roll. While the book primarily focuses on the history and evolution of rock music, it also offers valuable insights into the musical landscape that existed prior to the emergence of rock and roll.
In his book, Covach takes readers on a journey through different musical genres and styles that laid the foundation for rock and roll. He explores the roots of rock, tracing its origins and influences, and providing a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context from which it emerged. This includes a look at the British Invasion of the 1960s and 1970s, Motown pop, and the racial dynamics within the music industry during that time.
One of the key aspects of the pre-rock and roll era was the racial hostilities and bigotry that certain audiences and artists exhibited towards specific genres. For example, as mentioned in the book, there was a backlash against disco, funk, and soul music, which were seen as threatening to the success of white artists. This racist climate within the music industry exploited Black artists and shaped the musical landscape leading up to the dominance of rock and roll.
Additionally, the world before rock and roll was also characterised by a range of musical traditions and cultural influences. Covach's book likely delves into these diverse musical styles, including the classical music tradition and American popular music, providing a comprehensive understanding of the musical landscape that existed before rock and roll took centre stage.
Overall, "What's That Sound?" by John Covach offers a valuable and instructive exploration of the world before rock and roll. By examining the musical genres, cultural contexts, and historical dynamics that shaped the pre-rock and roll era, Covach provides readers with a deeper understanding of the evolution of rock music and its place within the broader history of music.
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The British Invasion
In his book, "What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History", John Covach, a distinguished musicologist, author, and educator, explores the British Invasion as part of the evolution of rock music in the 1960s. Covach is a Professor of Music and the Director of the Institute for Popular Music at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester.
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Racism and exploitation in the music industry
John Covach's book, "What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History", provides a thorough and well-written guide to rock music and its place in popular music and culture. The book covers various topics, including the music business, rock's visual culture, and contemporary music. It also addresses the racial injustices within the music industry and how these elements have influenced the songs and genres we know today.
Racism and exploitation have been prevalent issues in the music industry, with a long history of discriminatory practices targeting artists of colour. During the early 20th century, Black musicians like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith faced significant barriers, including exclusion from mainstream venues and unequal pay. This systemic racism has perpetuated a cycle of unequal opportunities, limiting the exposure and recognition of artists of colour.
In his book, Covach discusses the racist climate within the industry, including the payola scandal and the demonisation of disco culture, which was often associated with Black artists. The music industry has been criticised for its role in keeping Black artists and professionals out of positions of power and leadership. This is evident in the underrepresentation of artists of colour, especially in genres dominated by white artists, restricting their artistic expression and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
The issue of exploitation is also addressed in typical record deals, where artists often sign away their rights to their music in exchange for unfavourable financial terms. The music industry has been accused of predatory practices, with labels prioritising profits over the well-being and fair treatment of artists. This exploitation is not limited to financial matters but also includes the mental health and working environments of artists of colour, who often face hostile and discriminatory treatment from their colleagues and the industry at large.
To combat racism and exploitation in the music industry, initiatives such as the Black Music Association and the Black Lives in Music campaign have been established. These organisations aim to advocate for the recognition and celebration of Black music and professionals, hold the industry accountable for its past and present injustices, and promote diversity and inclusion in leadership and hiring practices. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, the music industry can strive for a more equitable and inclusive future, where artists from all backgrounds can thrive and inspire.
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Rock music as a cultural and historical context
John Covach's "What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History" is a textbook that provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the history of rock music. The book is informed by Covach's expertise as a teacher, music theorist, and performer, offering a deeply musical perspective on the genre.
The book covers rock music from its roots to the present, including the music business, rock's visual culture, and contemporary music. It also includes listening guides to over 70 major works, helping students understand rock as music and build their listening skills. The book is designed to be accessible and engaging, with a rich visual program and a Spotify-integrated ebook in its sixth edition.
One of the key aspects of "What's That Sound?" is its focus on the cultural and historical context of rock music. The book addresses various injustices within the music industry, such as racism and the exploitation of black artists, and how these issues have influenced the songs and genres that have emerged throughout history. It also covers the British Invasion's success in the 1960s and 1970s, the rise of disco, and the competitive spitefulness that certain artists and audiences have had towards genres like disco, funk, and soul.
The book also provides an overview of the music industry, including the forces that shape different musical styles and the development of rock as a genre. It covers a range of topics, from the birth and first flourishing of rock and roll to the growing rock monster, heavy metal, rap, and the rise of alternative rock. The book is updated regularly to ensure that the content remains relevant and enriched over the years.
Overall, "What's That Sound?: An Introduction to Rock and Its History" by John Covach offers a thorough and well-written guide to rock music and its place in popular culture. It is a valuable resource for students and music enthusiasts interested in understanding the cultural and historical context of rock music.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a book that provides an introduction to rock and its history.
The book covers topics such as the world before rock and roll, the birth and flourishing of rock and roll, the Beatles and the British invasion, Motown pop, psychedelia, punk, heavy metal, and the rise of alternative rock, among others.
The book is written for students and anyone interested in learning about the history of rock music and its cultural and historical context.
John Covach is a Professor of Music at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and PhD in music theory from the University of Michigan. He has taught large lecture courses on rock at various universities and is also a performing and recording musician.
You can buy the book on Amazon, eBay, or rent it on Valore.
