I Hear a Symphony
Motown and Crossover R&B
Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Jazz & Blues, Soul
| Author: | Andrew Flory | ISBN: | 9780472122875 |
| Publisher: | University of Michigan Press | Publication: | May 30, 2017 |
| Imprint: | University of Michigan Press | Language: | English |
| Author: | Andrew Flory |
| ISBN: | 9780472122875 |
| Publisher: | University of Michigan Press |
| Publication: | May 30, 2017 |
| Imprint: | University of Michigan Press |
| Language: | English |
I Hear a Symphony opens new territory in the study of Motown’s legacy, arguing that the music of Motown was indelibly shaped by the ideals of Detroit’s postwar black middle class; that Motown’s creative personnel participated in an African-American tradition of dialogism in rhythm and blues while developing the famous “Motown Sound.” Throughout the book, Flory focuses on the central importance of “crossover” to the Motown story; first as a key concept in the company’s efforts to reach across American commercial markets, then as a means to extend influence internationally, and finally as a way to expand the brand beyond strictly musical products. Flory’s work reveals the richness of the Motown sound, and equally rich and complex cultural influence Motown still exerts.
I Hear a Symphony opens new territory in the study of Motown’s legacy, arguing that the music of Motown was indelibly shaped by the ideals of Detroit’s postwar black middle class; that Motown’s creative personnel participated in an African-American tradition of dialogism in rhythm and blues while developing the famous “Motown Sound.” Throughout the book, Flory focuses on the central importance of “crossover” to the Motown story; first as a key concept in the company’s efforts to reach across American commercial markets, then as a means to extend influence internationally, and finally as a way to expand the brand beyond strictly musical products. Flory’s work reveals the richness of the Motown sound, and equally rich and complex cultural influence Motown still exerts.
