Icons of Rock

More than half a century after the birth of rock, the musical genre that began as a rebellious underground phenomenon is now acknowledged as America's-and the world's-most popular and influential musical medium, as well as the soundtrack to several generations' worth of history. From Ray Charles to Joni Mitchell to Nirvana, rock music has been an undeniable force in both reflecting and shaping our cultural landscape. Icons of Rock offers a vivid overview of rock's pervasive role in contemporary society by profiling the lives and work of the music's most legendary artists. Most rock histories, by virtue of their all-encompassing scope, are unable to cover the lives and work of individual artists in depth, or to place those artists in a broader context. This two-volume set, by contrast, provides extensive biographies of the 24 greatest rock n' rollers of all time, examining their influences, innovations, and impact in a critical and historical perspective. Entries inside this unique reference explore the issues, trends, and movements that defined the cultural and social climate of the artists' music. Sidebars spotlight the many iconic elements associated with rock, such as rock festivals, protest songs, and the British Invasion. Providing a wealth of information on the icons, culture, and mythology of America's most beloved music, this biographical encyclopedia will serve as an invaluable resource for students and music fans alike.

Scott Schinder is the author of several books about popular music and culture, including Rolling Stone's Alt-Rock-A-Rama. He has written for such publications as Entertainment Weekly, Newsday, and Creem. Andy Schwartz is the former publisher and editor of punk/new wave music magazine New York Rocker. He also served as national director of editorial services for Epic Records (a division of Sony-BMG Music) and as a consulting researcher and archivist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

List of Photos
Preface
Acknowledgments
Volume One
Elvis Presley, Scott Schinder
Ray Charles, Andy Schwartz
Chuck Berry, Scott Schinder
Buddy Holly, Scott Schinder
The Beach Boys, Scott Schinder
James Brown, Andy Schwartz
The Beatles, Scott Schinder
Bob Dylan, Jesse Jarnow
The Rolling Stones, Scott Schinder
The Who, Alan Bisbort
The Byrds, Scott Schinder
Jimi Hendrix, Alan Bisbort
Volume Two
Velvet Underground, Scott Schinder
The Grateful Dead, Jesse Jarnow and Andy Schwartz
Frank Zappa, Chris Crocker
Led Zeppelin, Andy Schwartz
Joni Mitchell, Scott Schinder
Pink Floyd, Scott Schinder
Neil Young, Scott Schinder
David Bowie, Jesse Jarnow
Bruce Springsteen, Susan Godwin
Ramones, Scott Schinder
U2, Susan Godwin
Nirvana, Susan Godwin
Selected Bibliography
Index