{"title":"Jazz \u0026 Blues","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"what-was-the-first-rock-n-roll-record","title":"What Was the First Rock N Roll Record? (Paperback)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“The blues had a baby and they called it rock ‘n’ roll,” said the great Muddy Waters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut what was the firstborn? What was the first rock ‘n’ roll record?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUsing this question as their starting point, writer Jim Dawson and DJ Steve Propes nominate 50 recordings for that honor. Beginning with a 1944 \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJazz at the Philharmonic\u003c\/em\u003e recording, “Blues,” and ending with Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhat Was the First Rock ‘n’ Roll Record?\u003c\/strong\u003e Profiles some of the most important and influential recordings in rock’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor each nominee, Dawson and Propes provide chart positions, labels, recording information, and an explanation as to why it might qualify as the first. Lesser known milestones like “Open the Door, Richard” and “Rocket 88” appear here alongside acknowledged classics like “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and “Rock Around the Clock,” and many forgotten artists are restored to their rightful place in rock’s pantheon. The result is a provocative and entertaining guide to the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis 30\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e anniversary updated and revised edition brings to light new and surprising details about the songs, albums, and artists that are vying for the honor of being the first rock ‘n’ roll record.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Dawson and Steve Propes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40064419332195,"sku":"JDSP-WWTF-PB","price":15.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/products\/220809WWTFFrontCoverFinal.jpg?v=1660075184"},{"product_id":"those-old-school-records","title":"Those Old School Records (Paperback)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEver wonder about who the backing musicians were on Jackie Brenston’s 1951 classic, “Rocket 88”? Or how Joe Turner’s “Honey Hush” got its title? Or what legendary blues songwriter and bass player Willie Dixon had to say about Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley joining Chess Records’ lineup? And what about the story behind how “My Boyfriend’s Back” was written? Maybe you didn’t know the origins of Marlow Stewart and His 4 Guitars “Riptide”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThose Old School Records\u003c\/em\u003e takes you through the history of rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and more from 1946 to 1987 through the lens of top-charting 45 RPM singles. With over 1,000 songs, labels, release dates, suggested pairings, remakes, answers, and other detailed information, Those Old School Records leaves no musical stone unturned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt over 400 pages, \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThose Old School Records\u003c\/em\u003e will answer many of your questions about the origins and history of these chart-topping songs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steve Propes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44315516698903,"sku":"SP-TOSR-PB","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/products\/cover_e1904b6a-0056-4ebc-9cfc-ba199fc6104a.jpg?v=1673531587"},{"product_id":"monks-music","title":"Monk's Music","description":"\u003cem\u003eMonk’s Music, Thelonious Monk: An Illustrated Discography\u003c\/em\u003e is the definitive and up-to-date guide to the recordings of one of the most important jazz composers and performers of the 20th century. A feast for the eye with the full color reproductions and a carefully researched and informative text, Monk’s published recordings are documented here in chronological order, from the earliest days of 1941 through his last known recorded performance in 1975.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt’s all here for the Monk fan, Jazz lover, collector and anyone interested in music and recordings. Included on these pages is all the info about Thelonious Monk’s audio and video recordings released through the years on 78rpm, LP records, compact disc, video laser disc, DVD and Blu-ray. Album covers and labels are reproduced in full color. Also included is complete information about the studio and live recording dates, musicians, track listings, record labels, producers, recording venues, bibliography and classic quotes from the High Priest of Bop himself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom sideman pianist in the nightclubs of Harlem to world famous and iconic musical genius, this is the story of Thelonious Sphere Monk as told through his many recordings.","brand":"Dub Taylor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44785107370263,"sku":"MMLLC-MM-HC","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/products\/230116MonkCoverCandidateFinal.jpg?v=1680201133"},{"product_id":"noble-sounds","title":"Noble Sounds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoble Sounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e offers a friendly journey into the world of jazz and blues. Author Joel Strauss shares his love for these uniquely American musical styles, guiding readers through their rich history and cultural impact. The book introduces key artists and important recordings, helping newcomers understand what makes this music special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrauss writes in a clear, conversational style that's easy to follow. He explains musical concepts without getting too technical, making the book accessible to those without formal music training. Personal stories and experiences add color to the narrative, bringing the music to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Louis Armstrong to B.B. King, readers will meet the legends who shaped jazz and blues. The book explores how these styles evolved over time and influenced other forms of music. Strauss also offers listening recommendations, allowing readers to experience the sounds firsthand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoble Sounds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is more than just a history lesson. It's an invitation to discover soul-stirring music that has moved people for generations. Whether someone is curious about jazz and blues or wants to deepen their appreciation, this book provides a welcoming starting point for exploring these enduring musical traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joel Strauss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49679268610327,"sku":"JS-NS-PB","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/240919NobleSoundsCoverFrontFinal.jpg?v=1776363617"},{"product_id":"reverberations","title":"Reverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReverberations: 21 Classic 1950s Rock 'N' Roll Songs That Still Reverberate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is a journey through the golden age of rock and roll. This book dives into the stories behind twenty-one iconic songs from the 1950s that have left a lasting impact on music and culture. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the rebellious energy of \"Hound Dog\" to the infectious rhythm of \"Rock Around the Clock,\" these tracks defined a generation and continue to inspire artists today. You'll discover how \"Tutti Frutti\" brought Little Richard's flamboyant style to the forefront and how \"Johnny B. Goode\" became a rock and roll anthem thanks to Chuck Berry's groundbreaking guitar work. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Beatles, in their early days, played almost all these songs, showcasing their timeless appeal and influence. Ted Clark's meticulous research and insight offers a fresh perspective on these classics, revealing their origins, the numerous subsequent artists who covered these songs and\/or included them on their concert set lists, the movie soundtracks they have appeared on, and why they still resonate with listeners around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores in detail the tremendous impact that songs like “Rock Around the Clock,” “Be-Bop-A-Lula,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and “Summertime Blues” had in the UK. And Clark explains why the artists who sang these songs—Bill Haley, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, and Eddie Cochran respectively—are more revered across the pond than they are in the U.S.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a lifelong fan of 1950s rock and roll or new to the genre, this book provides a rich and engaging look at the music that started it all. With each chapter, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the songs that shaped the course of popular music and continue to reverberate through the decades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ted Clark","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49692523888919,"sku":"TC-R21-PB","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/240729ReverberationsCoverCandidate3_3.jpg?v=1727478667"},{"product_id":"i-went-down-to-st-james-infirmary","title":"I Went Down To St. James Infirmary (Paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the new Fourth Edition, with extra chapters and more details on this beloved song. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiscover the song that shocked the nation!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnravel a Musical Mystery\u003c\/strong\u003e: Discover the rich history of \"St. James Infirmary,\" one of the most enduring and influential jazz-blues songs, tracing its roots from folk traditions to its modern cultural impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDive into Jazz Era Intrigue\u003c\/strong\u003e: Follow a cast of fascinating characters—musicians, moguls, and minstrels—who shaped the song and left their mark on American music and culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMeticulously Researched, Wryly Told\u003c\/strong\u003e: Authored by Robert W. Harwood, this book blends humor, scholarly rigor, and vivid storytelling to illuminate the song’s origins, evolution, and mysterious allure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePraise from Critics and Scholars\u003c\/strong\u003e: Called \"the definitive statement on the subject,\" the book has been lauded for its compelling narrative and cultural insight by music historians and fans alike.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Must-Read for Music Lovers\u003c\/strong\u003e: Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, history buff, or curious reader, this is a fascinating exploration of music’s power to inspire, unite, and endure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Robert Harwood","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51455566741783,"sku":"RH-SJI4E-PB","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/I-Went-Down-to-St-James-Infirmary-Kindle-2025-03-02.jpg?v=1776363355"},{"product_id":"stalebread-paperback","title":"Stalebread (Paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003eStalebread and the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Origin Story of Jazz in New Orleans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the heart of 1890s New Orleans, where music spilled from every street corner, a group of boys with paper-and-comb instruments, a homemade bass fiddle, and more energy than resources began to draw crowds. They called themselves the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the center was Emile “Stalebread” Lacoume—barefoot, determined, and already a talented musician. After the early death of his father, Emile became a newsboy to help support his family. But it was music that truly carried him. Inspired by the Mexican and Creole rhythms he heard around him, Emile and his friends started making music out of whatever they could find: cigar boxes, stovepipes, tin cans, and dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStalebread and the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e tells the vivid, often overlooked story of one of jazz’s early pioneers. Drawing on newspaper accounts, archival interviews, and local legends, Michael Shurtz traces Emile’s journey from street performer to respected musician, even playing for high-society parties and at the infamous Mahogany Hall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart cultural history, part character study, this is a story about invention, survival, and the beginnings of a new sound in a changing city. Through hard times, segregation, and the uncertain future of early jazz, Emile’s story reminds us how creativity and community can make music out of almost anything.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mike Shurtz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51615997559063,"sku":"MS-SB-PB","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/251105StalebreadCoverFrontFinal.jpg?v=1763583045"},{"product_id":"bluesdaddy","title":"Bluesdaddy (Hardcover)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/em\u003e gives music memoir readers a vivid, funny, hard-won life story in which rock-and-roll legend is not the prize, but the weather Will Johns had to survive before the blues could give him a voice of his own.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBluesdaddy is scheduled for release September 1, 2026. Order yours today! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill Johns was born close to rock-and-roll royalty. That did not make life easy. It made the ghosts louder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe son of legendary producer Andy Johns and nephew of Glyn Johns, Will grew up in the orbit of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, George Harrison, Pattie Boyd, Eric Clapton, Cream, and the complicated mythology of modern music. He saw the rooms most fans only imagine. He knew the people behind the records. He inherited stories, wounds, expectations, and a name already tangled in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is not a backstage victory lap. It is the story of a boy searching for steadiness, a guitarist searching for his own sound, and a man learning that being near greatness does not save you. The blues does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith humor, bite, and disarming honesty, Johns traces a life of unlikely refuge, family chaos, musical apprenticeship, road-warrior absurdity, addiction’s shadow, love, loss, near-misses, and moments so surreal they could only happen in rock and roll. He plays with heroes, loses opportunities, survives collapses, sells treasured guitars, and keeps chasing the sound that tells the truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Buddy Guy finally hears him play and says, “Now that’s what you call the blues,” the moment lands not as celebrity approval but as something deeper: recognition earned the hard way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is the story of a man born into noise, raised on chaos, and saved by the blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/videos\/c\/o\/v\/3443978c724e459594484ac4aff0dab8.mp4\" title=\"Will Johns and Buddy Guy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eWatch Buddy Guy's reaction to Will Johns playing the blues.\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Video copyright WillJohnsMusic)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Will Johns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53585380802839,"sku":"MTWJ-BD-HC","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/Bluesdaddy_c1730f1f-bf66-440e-a4a8-1c7f16bb4c8c.jpg?v=1782596000"},{"product_id":"bluesdaddy-paperback","title":"Bluesdaddy (Paperback)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/em\u003e gives music memoir readers a vivid, funny, hard-won life story in which rock-and-roll legend is not the prize, but the weather Will Johns had to survive before the blues could give him a voice of his own.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBluesdaddy is scheduled for release September 1, 2026. Order yours today! \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill Johns was born close to rock-and-roll royalty. That did not make life easy. It made the ghosts louder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe son of legendary producer Andy Johns and nephew of Glyn Johns, Will grew up in the orbit of Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, George Harrison, Pattie Boyd, Eric Clapton, Cream, and the complicated mythology of modern music. He saw the rooms most fans only imagine. He knew the people behind the records. He inherited stories, wounds, expectations, and a name already tangled in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is not a backstage victory lap. It is the story of a boy searching for steadiness, a guitarist searching for his own sound, and a man learning that being near greatness does not save you. The blues does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith humor, bite, and disarming honesty, Johns traces a life of unlikely refuge, family chaos, musical apprenticeship, road-warrior absurdity, addiction’s shadow, love, loss, near-misses, and moments so surreal they could only happen in rock and roll. He plays with heroes, loses opportunities, survives collapses, sells treasured guitars, and keeps chasing the sound that tells the truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Buddy Guy finally hears him play and says, “Now that’s what you call the blues,” the moment lands not as celebrity approval but as something deeper: recognition earned the hard way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBluesdaddy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is the story of a man born into noise, raised on chaos, and saved by the blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/videos\/c\/o\/v\/3443978c724e459594484ac4aff0dab8.mp4\" title=\"Will Johns and Buddy Guy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eWatch Buddy Guy's reaction to Will Johns playing the blues.\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Video copyright WillJohnsMusic)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Will Johns","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54719467880727,"sku":"MTWJ-BD-PB","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/3604\/1571\/files\/Bluesdaddy_c1730f1f-bf66-440e-a4a8-1c7f16bb4c8c.jpg?v=1782596000"}],"url":"https:\/\/geniusbookpublishing.com\/collections\/jazz-blues.oembed?page=2","provider":"Genius Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}