Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey

Description

A companion to the groundbreaking PBS documentary series, this volume is a unique and timeless celebration of the blues, from writers and artists as esteemed and revered as the music that moved them.

Included in this stunning collection are

Essays by David Halberstam, Hilton Als, Suzan-Lori Parks, Elmore Leonard, Luc Sante, John Edgar Wideman, and many others

Timeless archival pieces by writers such as Stanley Booth, Paul Oliver, and Mack McCormick

Evocative color illustrations and rare vintage photography

Illuminating and in-depth conversations and portraits of musicians, ranging from Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith to John Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton

Lyrics of legendary blues compositions

Personal essays by the series directors Martin Scorsese, Charles Burnett, Richard Pearce, Wim Wenders, Marc Levin, Mike Figgis, and Clint Eastwood

Excerpts from literary masters James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Eudora Welty, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and William FaulknerTracing the art form’s path from juke joints, house parties, and recording studios to musicians such as Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles, Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues proves, in the words of Willie Dixon, “The blues are the roots; every-thing else is the fruits.”

“A must for any real blues fan.” “A literary sampler as vibrant and original as the films and music that inspired it.” “Read the book … essential … for anyone who cares about American history, black culture and current music.” “Brilliant.” “Breaking new ground.” “[One of the] ‘Twelve Books of Christmas’ … the perfect gift for the music lover.”

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