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.
ISBN: | 9780472117413 |
Publication date: | 30th June 2017 |
Author: | J Andrew Flory |
Publisher: | The University of Michigan Press |
Format: | Hardback |
Pagination: | 344 pages |
Series: | Tracking Pop |
Genres: |
Popular music |