Soul

Decades after his passing, Elvis Presley remains one of popular music's greatest icons. He was among the most successful, influential, socially significant, and controversial performers of the twentieth century, with a celebrity so indelible that every recent American president has negotiated its orbit. While much of the coverage of Elvis' life concerns his personal history and musical ability, Rethinking Elvis pushes beyond the familiar to address Elvis' branding, historical and geographic reception, heritage, and fan phenomenon. Using Elvis' iconography as a point of departure, popular music scholars and historians contend with issues related to the performer's whiteness, Southern identity, and gender, among others, in turn offering myriad opportunities to pursue new approaches in the emergent field of Elvis studies.

Eigentlich hatte Bruce W. Talamon Anwalt werden sollen, aber dann lockte ihn doch die Welt des Entertainments. Als junger afroamerikanischer Fotograf trieb sich Talamon, später erfolgreicher Still Photographer in Hollywood, in der quecksilbrigen Jazz- und R&B-Szene von Los Angeles herum und versuchte sich einen Namen zu machen als jemand, der mehr als nur die Schauseite der Stars einfängt. Sein Durchbruch gelang ihm mit einer Festanstellung als Fotograf beim renommierten Soul Magazine Anfang der Siebzigerjahre, als die Soul-, Funk- und R&B-Szene das breite Publikum und die Charts eroberte. Mit seiner Kamera fing er, immer ganz nah dran, einige der größten Stars der Szene ein - für offizielle Porträts, bei Aufnahmesessions im Studio, unterwegs im Tourbus, in der Garderobe, beim Chillen, beim Soundcheck und bei ihren oft spektakulären Auftritten. Seine Aufnahmen vermitteln den Groove einer Epoche, die bekannt wurde für ihren Glamour, coole Klamotten und ihre musikalische Experimentierfreude.

• INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! •The iconic, multiplatinum, Grammy Award®–winning performer Brandy brings us a raw, intimate portrait of her life, charting her journey from Mississippi churches to Hollywood spotlightsFrom the moment she first sang at church in McComb, Mississippi, Brandy knew her voice was special. At fourteen she landed her first record deal. At fifteen her first album went platinum. At sixteen she was starring in the hit sitcom Moesha and became the first Black actress to play Cinderella on screen alongside fairy godmother, Whitney Houston. Yet as the accolades piled up, so too did the pressure to maintain a flawless image. To onlookers, she had crafted the blueprint for the teenage “it” girl. But behind closed doors “The Vocal Bible” as she was known, was struggling. In this piercing, revelatory memoir, Brandy shares: - the inside stories behind her most iconic songs and albums; - her star-studded connections with Whitney Houston and Diana Ross; - the affirmation of friends and family, including her brother Ray J, that helped her through challenging times; - and so much more.Delving into the humble roots of her decades-spanning career, her early struggles with bullies and insecurities as a high schooler, and finally her inspirational journey to reclaim her sense of self and her autonomy as a woman in Hollywood and in music, this memoir is an insightful meditation on Brandy's life and how she rose to become the woman she is today. Told through a series of breathtaking vignettes and never-before-seen family photographs in a full-color insert, Phases is a fearless and remarkable story of hope, resilience and the strength it takes to make peace with the past.

Discover the full story behind every single song Beyoncé has ever released.<BR><BR>From Destiny's Child to Cowboy Carter, this is the definitive guide to one of music's greatest ever talents, covering hundreds of songs , hidden gems, soundtracks, cover versions and more.<BR><BR>See gorgeous, full-page photos of Beyoncé on tour and performing:<BR><BR> - Renaissance<BR> - Cowboy Carter<BR> - Homecoming<BR> - B'Day<BR> - I Am... Sasha Fierce<BR><BR>Award-winning music writer Annie Zaleski (Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Guardian) explores and explains the fascinating details of every song, from early group hit 'Say My Name' to solo work such as 'Crazy In Love' and 'Run The World (Girls)' - and including the all-conquering Cowboy Carter.<BR><BR>A journey through pop, hip-hop, R&B, gospel and even country, this is Beyoncé's story told through her incredible music.

The Faber Music Pop Piano Anthology is a timeless collection of some of the greatest pop, rock, indie, R&B and soul songs ever written, specially arranged for intermediate solo piano. Beautifully presented with Malcolm English's 'A Carnaby Scene' on the cover, the collection features music from Amy Winehouse, George Michael, Radiohead, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and many more. The Faber Music Piano Anthology series has been created for pianists to enjoy and return to again and again. All the pieces have been expertly arranged for piano solo and are presented in beautiful, sewn-bound books. 

Dive into Michael Jackson's groundbreaking career and discover how he reshaped music, entertainment, and culture over five decades. In fifty years, forty-five of which were spent on stage, Michael Jackson redefined the rules of the music and entertainment industries. The inventor of the music video and an all-time record-seller, he also broke down racial barriers, notably by becoming the first black artist to be broadcast on MTV in the early 1980s. Discover the King of Pop's global impact and enduring legacy in Michael Jackson: Legend, with a detailed chronology and a full analysis of his work. This book also explores the myths and legends that marked the musician's life, not forgetting an unprecedented tribute to his humanitarian efforts. Michael Jackson: Legend is published to coinicide with the release of Michael, a 2026 biographical musical drama film directed by Antoine Fuqua.

THE SUNDAY TIMESBESTSELLER'A fascinating perspective on a great pop story.' Sunday Times'A career this packed with highs - and personal lows - makes for dream memoir fodder.' Daily TelegraphThe long-awaited memoir of legendary Lionel Richie.As a storyteller second to none, Lionel Richie is ready to tell it all. In this intimate, deeply candid memoir, Lionel revisits hilarious and harrowing events to inspire all who doubt themselves or feel their dreams don't matter. Lionel chronicles lessons learned during his unlikely story of remarkable success-his dramatic transformation from painfully shy, 'tragically' late bloomer to world-class entertainer and composer of love songs that have played as the soundtrack of our lives.Funny, warm and riveting, Lionel recalls his childhood in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he grew up on its university campus during the heyday of the Civil Rights movement, raucous adventures as a member of The Commodores, coming-of-age in late 1960s Harlem, culture shock playing gigs on the French Riviera, the big break of being signed to Motown, his meteoric solo career that included an Olympics performance witnessed by two billion around the globe, all the way through to writing and recording 'We Are the World' and his current multi-generational fame as a judge on American Idol. Even with its turbulence, loss, and near-calamity, Lionel's journey takes us on a thrill ride and delivers a memoir for the ages-reminding us of the power of love to elevate our own lives and our world.Lionel Richie's memoir includes three eight-page photo inserts.

Hören kann glücklich machenMusik kann trösten, inspirieren, motivieren und therapeutisch wirken. Doch wie tragen Pop-, Rock-, Rap- oder Soulsongs zu einem glücklichen Leben bei? Welche Lebensweisheiten, welchen Rat zur Lebensführung vermitteln ihre Lyrics? Michael Behrendt bietet zahlreiche Songtipps für gelingende Beziehungen, beruflichen Erfolg, den Umgang mit Krisen und Trauer sowie das Managen von Veränderungen. Ein musikalischer Lebensratgeber!Mit Songs von Bob Dylan, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Herbert Grönemeyer, Kansas, Carole King, Kontra K, Lady Gaga, Reinhard Mey, Paramore, Christina Stürmer, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears und vielen mehr.

Die persönlichen Memoiren des Welt-StarsTruly ist nicht nur die Geschichte eines der größten Musiker unserer Zeit - es ist die schonungslose, zutiefst persönliche Reise eines Menschen, der Musikgeschichte schrieb. In seinen intimen und ehrlichen Erinnerungen erzählt Lionel Richie, wie er als Kind in Tuskegee, Alabama, im Süden der USA - mitten in der Bürgerrechtsbewegung - aufwuchs.Witzig, warmherzig und bewegend blickt Richie zurück auf prägende Erlebnisse in Harlem und einen Kulturschock an der französischen Riviera, seine Jugendjahre, wie er als schüchterner Spätzünder seinen Weg fand und an wilde Zeiten, als er mit den Commodores zu Weltruhm gelangte. Es ist die Geschichte seines kometenhaften Aufstiegs zum Solostar mit unvergesslichen Hits wie 'Hello', 'All Night Long' und 'Endless Love' - und die Geschichte eines Mannes, der sich trotz Ruhm, Rückschlägen und persönlicher Krisen immer wieder neu erfand.Offen spricht er über Ruhm, Liebe, ADHS, den Tod seines Vaters, seine Ehen und eine Stimmbandkrise, die ihn fast seine Stimme gekostet hätte. Und schildert die Lehren seines Lebens - von Zweifeln, Mut und der Kraft, an sich selbst zu glauben.Von der Motown-Ära bis zu 'We Are the World', vom Auftritt vor zwei Milliarden Menschen bei den Olympischen Spielen bis hin zur Rolle als Juror bei American Idol: Truly ist eine inspirierende Geschichte voller Musik, Emotion und Hoffnung.Mit drei exklusiven, achtseitigen Fotoeinlagen.- Richie erzählt freimütig, inspirierend und humorvoll von Erfolgen, Krisen, Verlusten und ADHS- Eine bewegende Reise durch die Musik- und Gesellschaftsgeschichte, vom Alabama der Bürgerrechtsbewegung bis zu den großen Bühnen der Welt- Exklusiv: Richie über 'We Are the World', Michael Jackson und Co. - einmalige Anekdoten aus der Welt der Musikikonen- Mehr als ein Starporträt: Richie teilt das Geheimnis seines anhaltenden Erfolgs und erzählt von der Fähigkeit, sich immer wieder neu zu erfinden- Eine Lebensgeschichte, die zeigt, was Liebe und Musik im Innersten bewirken können

One of the "Most Exciting Rock Books Released in 2025" at Ultimate Classic Rock - "Stanfield makes one want to step back in time into one of those packed clubs, so hot that, as one writer of the day put it, 'you could have boiled an egg.'"--Wesley Stace, The Wall Street Journal The story of an iconic group, the advent of pop, and the birth of rock music in 1960s Britain. The Yardbirds were trailblazers in the rapid development of pop music in Britain between 1963 and 1968. With members including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page, they helped to set the basic template of what has been known ever since as rock music and gave rise to one of the most commercially successful bands of all time: Led Zeppelin. Peter Stanfield situates the band in the rise of British R&B and the tumult of the psychedelic era. Obsessively detailed about both the band and 1960s pop culture, this is the book fans of the Yardbirds have always needed.

Authoritatively written and including rare photography and memorabilia, this sumptuous slipcased hardcover is the only illustrated gift book to examine Prince’s most iconic album and film, Purple Rain.<BR><BR>In 1984, Prince, along with his band, The Revolution, released what would become his best-selling album and a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Purple Rain has gone on to sell 25 million copies and counting. In Prince and Purple Rain, Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of Prince | Official Podcast, takes a deep dive into the legendary musician’s most famous album on its 40th anniversary.<BR><BR>The book features:<BR><BR>- A lush purple velvet slipcase with gold-foil lettering- A foreword by Prince superfan Maya Rudolph- Stunning performance and off-stage photography- Interviews with musicians who worked with Prince- Images of memorabilia from top collectors <BR>Chapters cover:<BR><BR>- Prince’s youth and early music career in Minneapolis, as well as each of the five studio albums that preceded Purple Rain- Prince’s backing band, The Revolution, and the backgrounds of each of its individual members, with an emphasis on the Purple Rain studio and touring members: drummer Bobby Z, bassist Brown Mark, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, keyboardist Lisa Coleman, and keyboardist Matt Fink- Track-by-track analyses of each side- A look at the groundbreaking film of the same name and its multiplatinum soundtrack- Awards, accolades, and critical reception- Prince’s legacy post–Purple Rain, up to his untimely death in 2016<BR>Prince and Purple Rain is a definitive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.<BR><BR>The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

* INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER *A sweeping and evocative music memoir from the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Award-winning, platinum selling singer-songwriter Michael McDonald, written with his friend, Emmy Award-nominated actor, comedian, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Paul Reiser.Doobie Brothers. Steely Dan. Chart topping soloist. Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald's unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of classic rock and R&B with hit records like "What A Fool Believes," "Takin' It to the Streets," "I Keep Forgettin'," "Peg," "It Keeps You Running," "You Belong to Me," and "Yah Mo B There."In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music. A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, Michael chased his dreams in 1970's California, a heady moment of rock opportunity and excess. As a rising session musician and backing vocalist, a series of encounters would send him on a wild ride around the world and to the heights of rock stardom-from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist.Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting celebrity memoir of losing and finding himself as a man. He reckons with the unshakeable insecurities that drove him, the drug and alcohol addictions that plagued him, and the highs and lows of popularity. Along the way he relays the lessons he's learned, and that if he's learned anything at all it's that there's often little correlation between what you get and what you deserve.Filled with unbelievable stories and a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, Carly Simon, and Quincy Jones, What a Fool Believes is a moving and entertaining rock and roll biography that is sure to be a classic. This unforgettable music memoir goes behind the hits to tell the story of a singular voice in rock history:- The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan: Go inside the studio and on the road with two of the most influential bands of the decade, and learn the stories behind era-defining hits like "What A Fool Believes" and "Takin' It to the Streets."- Fame and Insecurity: A high school dropout from Ferguson, Missouri, grapples with the unshakeable insecurities, drug and alcohol addictions, and the dizzying highs and lows of fame.- 70s Rock Scene: Step into the heady world of 1970s California, a moment of excess and opportunity, filled with a matchless cast of music greats including James Taylor, Ray Charles, and Quincy Jones.- A Singer-Songwriter's Journey: Follow the path from rising session musician and backing vocalist to a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and breakout solo R&B artist who defined a generation.

Das OPEN OHR Festival in Mainz feiert seinen 50. Geburtstag. Das ist ein guter Zeitpunkt, um gesellschaftspolitische und kulturelle Umbrüche dieses halben Jahrhunderts nachzuvollziehen und einen Blick in den Maschinenraum des bundesweit einmaligen Festivals zu werfen.50 Jahre OPEN OHR, das sind 50 Festivalthemen. Themen, die aufwühlen, anregen und einen Nerv treffen. Themen, die an vier Pfingsttagen in Podiumsdebatten, Workshops und auf dem Zeltplatz diskutiert und in Filmen, Lesungen, Musik, Theater und Kabarett verarbeitet werden. Die Verhältnisse zum Tanzen bringen, lautet das Ziel. Zeit für eine Einordnung.50 Jahre OPEN OHR, das sind 50 Jahre Zeitgeschichte, die sich im Festivalalltag spiegeln. Die Gründergenera­tion erinnert sich an die Aufbruchstimmung der 1970er-Jahre. 1990 diskutiert das Festival lieber über 'Eine Welt brennt', statt die Deutsche Einheit zu feiern. 'Herr­schaftszeiten' und der Druck der Geschlechter-Biopolarität sind ein Dauerthema. Die Stadtgesellschaft streitet um die Autonomie der programmgestaltenden freien Projektgruppe.50 Jahre OPEN OHR, das sind 50 Jahre Projektgruppe, Künstler:innen, Referent:innen, Fans und Weg­gefährt:in­nen. Hanns Dieter Hüsch, Hazel Brugger, Franz Josef Degenhardt, Rio Reiser und Seeed, Berliner Ensemble oder Ratten 07, Heiner Geißler und Claudia Roth - sie und viele andere stehen in diesen Jahren auf den Bühnen des OPEN OHR Festivals. In ­persönlichen Erinnerungen, Reiseberichten, Rekonstruktionen, Einschätzungen, Interviews, Analysen, 'Oral-History'-Interview­collagen und Fotos wird Festi­valgeschichte und -atmo­sphäre lebendig. Der Kampf für offenen Diskurs und lebendige Kultur geht weiter. 'Wer jetzt nicht tanzt, ist selber schuld.' (Franz Josef Degenhardt)

Grammy Award–nominated artist Kem shares his life in this “breathtaking” (Michael Eric Dyson, New York Times bestselling author) and revealing memoir tracing his transformative journey from homelessness to gold-selling artist.<BR><BR>Known for his smooth, affecting crooning and dapper style, Kem’s journey to the stage is nothing short of inspiring. In Share My Life, Kem goes back to the very beginning before his time to introduce his grandmother, who worked as a sharecropper in the South and had thirteen children. As Kem’s family rises from the sharecropping and ultimately lands in Detroit, there is an unspoken mantra of “hard things are better left unsaid,” which has devastating consequences down the line. And so, Kem grows up in the midst of an impenetrable silence. His mother is never without a beer in her hand, and his relationship with his father is oddly tense. Emotionally starved, Kem internalizes harmful feelings, eventually spiraling to drug use in his search for relief.<BR> <BR>At nineteen, Kem is homeless, roaming the cold Detroit streets. In the overly bright AA halls, Kem comes across men like himself verbalizing their feelings. The meetings helped him discover his own voice, using music as an outlet that has since touched millions.<BR> <BR>In Share My Life, Kem chronicles his “revelatory, moving, and inspirational” (Lisa Cortés, Academy Award–nominated and Emmy Award–winning producer and director) journey of self-discovery. The young boy who struggled with feelings of worthlessness becomes a man willing to put everything on the line for his dream.

Let the Music Play: How R&B Fell In Love With 80s Synths is the overlooked story of how R&B, disco and funk were transformed by the explosion of synths and other music tech in the era of ghetto blasters, shoulder pads and Ronald Reagan. It traces how pioneers like Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock inspired a new generation of black musicians and producers in the US and UK to reinvent music using a whole new set of rules. From superstars like Prince and Sade to production geniuses like Kashif and Jam & Lewis, it looks at how sounds and genres kept adapting to each new innovation, including drum machines, samplers and digital studios. It tells the fascinating stories of the artists involved and how some of the best-loved records of the era were made - creating a blueprint for music today.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Marla Glen discovered her gifts at the young age of 3 when Muddy Waters gave out toy harmonicas at a birthday party. Not only was Marla aware of how to create music, but the artist was also aware that living life as a girl was not an option. ¿The young Marla grew up to be a young stud that drifted about the country playing open mic nights, and mentored by legends such as Nina Simone and Bo Diddley. While drifting in New Orleans, a Frenchman gave him an opportunity to perform abroad, and it turned into a whirlwind of musical successes, winning Gold and Platinum awards. However, the naïve artist encountered pitfalls and ended up on the streets of France asking fans if he could live with them, to get on his feet again. Several lows continued, until ultimately Marla finally meets a fellow artist, who assisted him in making music for his fans.

Longlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Prize<BR>An Uncut Magazine Book of the Year<BR>A Rough Trade Book of the Year<BR>A Resident Book of the Year<BR><BR>The story of soul legend P.P. Arnold is one of musical highs, personal lows and extraordinary endurance.<BR><BR>From her origins in powerhouse church gospel, the talented singer's performing career began at the age of just seventeen when she joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. But little did the young Ikette know that her world was about to be turned upside-down...<BR><BR>Upon arriving in London in 1966 to support the Rolling Stones, the shy but vivacious teenager caught the eye of frontman Mick Jagger. He would persuade her to stay in the city and record as a solo artist, ultimately leading to a five-decade career working with everyone from Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, the Small Faces, Nick Drake and Barry Gibb to Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, the KLF, Paul Weller and Primal Scream.<BR><BR>However, it has been far from a gilded life for the soul superstar. After being forced into marriage upon becoming pregnant at the age of fifteen, Arnold went on to endure a string of devastating personal traumas. Yet the versatile musician survived it all and has continued to reinvent herself throughout the years -be that as a West End actress, a much-sought-after session singer or a renowned pop vocalist in her own right.<BR><BR>Now, for the first time, P.P. Arnold shares her remarkable adventures. This is the long-awaited memoir of a true soul survivor.<BR><BR>'Jaw-dropping.' - Mojo<BR>'Powerful.' - Woman's Hour<BR>'Explosive.' - Daily Mail

Nach dem Erfolg von Jazz Covers kommt nun diese gewaltige Groove-Kollektion mit 500 legendären Coverbildern aus dem goldenen Zeitalter der afroamerikanischen Musik auf den Markt. In der betörenden visuellen Anthologie des Funk und Soul trifft Psychedelic auf Black Power, sexuelle Befreiung auf soziales Gewissen, authentische Schwarzweiß-Fotografie auf surrealen Comicstil. Präsentiert werden sowohl seltene Cover als auch Klassiker, denen allen gemeinsam ist, dass sie nicht nur ins Auge fallen, sondern auch eine ganze musikalische Ära symbolisieren. Entdecken Sie die brillianten, gewagten, total schrägen oder einfach nur wahnsinnig schönen Entwürfe, in die epochale Musiker wie Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson oder Prince ihre einzigartige und unvergessliche Musik verpackten. Funk & Soul Covers enthält Interviews mit führenden Persönlichkeiten der Musikbranche. Zu vielen der ausgewählten Plattencover gibt es außerdem Texte zum damaligen kulturellen Umfeld und eine detaillierte Stilanalyse.

Aretha Franklin wuchs in einer Familie von Musikern auf. Ihre Mutter spielte Klavier und sang, der Vater, ein Prediger, leitete den Gospelchor seiner Kirche, in dem Aretha und ihre vier Geschwister schon als Kinder sangen. Bald wurde sie von einer Plattenfirma entdeckt. Ob Gospel, Jazz, Pop oder Soul: mit ihren Liedern, die vom Alltag der Menschen, vom Kampf um Gerechtigkeit handeln, bewegte sie Menschen auf der ganzen Welt. Ihr größter Hit heißt 'Respect', das Lieblingslied von Barack Obama wurde zur Hymne der afroamerikanischen Bürgerrechtsbewegung.Dieses Buch ist Teil der Reihe Little People, BIG DREAMS.Little People, BIG DREAMS erzählt von den beeindruckenden Lebensgeschichten großer Menschen: Jede dieser Persönlichkeiten - ob Wissenschaftler:in oder Künstler:in, Ikone der Geschichte oder Held:in der Moderne - hat Unvorstellbares erreicht. Dabei begann alles, als sie noch klein waren: mit großen Träumen.