Short Synopsis
For all music lovers and rock & roll fans, this sweeping history will shine a light on the corners of the genre to reveal some of the less well-known yet hugely influential artists who changed the musical landscape forever.

Full Synopsis
Ed Ward covers the first half of the history of rock & roll in this sweeping and definitive narrative—from the 1920s, when the music of rambling medicine shows mingled with the songs of vaudeville and minstrel acts to create the very early sounds of country and rhythm and blues, to the rise of the first independent record labels post–World War II, and concluding in December 1963, just as an immense change in the airwaves took hold and the Beatles prepared for their first American tour.

In this first volume of a two-part series, Ward shares his endless depth of knowledge and through engrossing storytelling hops seamlessly from Memphis to Chicago, Detroit, England, New York, and everywhere in between. He covers the trajectories of the big name acts like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Ray Charles, while also filling in gaps of knowledge and celebrating forgotten heroes such as the Burnette brothers, the "5" Royales, and Marion Keisker, Sam Phillips's assistant, who played an integral part in launching Elvis's career.

"Ward knows his rock 'n' roll, and this comprehensive history is as entertaining as it is informative." ---Shelf Awareness

"Narrator David Colacci delivers a measured, authoritative narration that takes the listener through the evolution of the most exciting period of modern music." ---AudioFile

"A dean of rock journalism delivers the first volume of a magnum opus on a subject that never ceases to fascinate. . . . A spry study that should inspire listening with newly informed ears to old tunes." ---Kirkus Starred Review

"An excellent introduction to early rock’s cast of characters and the music that rocked the world. . . . Ward’s delightful book is chock-full of everything there is to know about the history of rock." ---Publishers Weekly

"Expansive, deeply researched without being pedantic, Ed Ward tells the story of rock and roll as it unfolded in all its glory." ---Lenny Kaye, author of You Call It Madness

Kirkus Review