More than two and a half centuries after it was first outlawed in Jamaica in 1760, obeah remains illegal in most territories of the former British West Indies. Yet, opinions on the meaning and essential nature of this controversial Afro-Caribbean spiritual phenomenon vary widely. While many contemporary West Indians hold negative views of obeah, viewing it as evil witchcraft or sorcery, others point to its widespread use in healing, protection from harm and solving a wide range of everyday...

This is the first book devoted to the studio musicians who were central to Jamaica's popular-music explosion. With color portraits and interview excerpts, over 100 musical pioneers—such as Prince Buster, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and many of Bob Marley's early musical collaborators—provide new insights into the birth of Jamaican popular music in the recording studios of Kingston, Jamaica, in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Includes a listening guide of selected song...

Celebrating the legendary studio musicians of Jamaican popular music through personal photographs and interviewsThis is the first book devoted to the studio musicians who were central to Jamaica's popular-music explosion. With color portraits and interview excerpts, over 100 musical pioneers—such as Prince Buster, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and many of Bob Marley's early musical collaborators—provide new insights into the birth of Jamaican...

The core of this book is a detailed examination of anti-obeah laws, and their socio-political implications.

A vibrant biography of one of the greatest rock 'n' rollers, the America that made him, and the America he made.Smart and incisive, this unique book takes us through Bruce Springsteen’s life by tracing the cultural, political, and personal forces that shaped his music. Beyond his constant stylistic adaptations, Springsteen developed over the decades from expressing the voice of a guy from working-class New Jersey to writing about the larger issues facing the country, including war,...

An inspiring collection of poems, meditations, and lyrics by one of the world's most revered musical legendsBob Marley's music defined a movement and forever changed a nation. Known worldwide for their message of peace and unity, Marley's songs—from "One Love" to "Redemption Song" to "Three Little Birds"—have touched millions of lives. This collection is the best of Bob Marley presented in three parts: "The Man," giving an in-depth look into the life of Bob Marley; ...

To say Garth Brook is a superstar is a major understatement. Brooks is the best selling solo artist in history with more than 130 million albums sold worldwide. Since he released his debut album in 1989, Garth Brooks, he has been a mainstay on country music charts.What follows are quotes spoken by Brooks on all aspects of his life. Each quote is attributed to its original source so you can see it wasn't pulled out of thin air. Hope you enjoy reading the gems that Brooks has shared i...

A searing portrait of Bob Marley and the making of Exodus, Time’s best album of the twentieth century—and an acutely perceptive appreciation of his musical and spiritual legacy“Finely reported, vividly written, and politically astute, Vivien Goldman travels with Bob Marley on the intimate journey that led him to become the voice of the Exodus.” —Mariane Pearl, author of A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of My Husband, Danny Pearl

Are you an expert on Rod Stewart? Have you followed every twist and turn in the veteran of pop's long and successful career? Do you know all there is to know about the chart topping star's personal and professional life? Then what better way to put your knowledge to the test than with this exciting new quiz book? With 100 thought provoking questions, this book is sure to challenge your memory of the events that have shaped the career of one of the most enduring singer-songwriter's in the m...

Acclaimed music writer Clinton Heylin's revelatory biography E Street Shuffle charts the rise of Bruce Springsteen and his legendary E Street Band in intimate detail, from their blue-collar New Jersey roots to the heights of rock stardom. Now, in Springsteen Song by Song, Heylin culls studio data, demo tracks, and his own extensive knowledge to offer insights, history, and critical commentary on 300 songs recorded by the Boss between 1972 and 1984. These concise yet insig...

Charlie Gillett, a British journalist, loves the music, and his passion is evident throughout The Sound of the City. Yet the greatest strength of the book is the way Gillett tracks the resistance of the music industry to early rock-and-roll, which was followed (needless to say) by a frantic rush to engulf and devour it.When first published The Sound of the City was hailed as having 'never been bettered as the definitive history of rock' (Guardian). Now th...

In 2009 Phil Spector the legendary record producer was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. It was an ignominious climax to a life of staggering highs and scarcely believable lows. Wall of Pain Dave Thompson's biography of Phil Spector has now been updated to include important details of the seemingly interminable trial. The architect of the Wall Of Sound Spector's already iconic status in the music world was enhanced by his work with The Beatles....