Before Elvis: The Prehistory of Rock 'n' Roll

By Larry Birnbaum

Book Overview

An essential work for rock fans and scholars, Before Elvis: The Prehistory of Rock 'n' Roll surveys the origins of rock 'n' roll from the minstrel era to the emergence of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. Unlike other histories of rock, Before Elvis offers a far broader and deeper analysis of the influences on rock music. Dispelling common misconceptions, it examines rock's origins in hokum songs and big-band boogies as well as Delta blues, detailing the embrace by white artists of African-American styles long before rock 'n' roll appeared.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810886383
• ISBN13: 9780810886384
• Release Date: December 2012
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Length: 474 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.2" x 9.1"