"Sweet Soul Music" by Peter Guralnick is a captivating exploration of the soul music phenomenon that swept through America in the 1960s. With rich storytelling and vivid insights, Guralnick reveals the lives and struggles of iconic artists like Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke. This book not only chronicles their music but also dives into the cultural impact of soul, intertwining personal narratives with broader social themes. Readers will be drawn into the vibrant world of rhythm and emotion that defined a generation. Discover how this heartfelt genre continues to resonate today in ways you never imagined.
By Peter Guralnick
Published: 1999
""Music is the lifeblood of the soul; it transcends time and space, drawing us into a collective rhythm that unites our stories and our struggles.""
A gripping narrative that captures the tumult and liberating energy of a nation in transition, Sweet Soul Music is an intimate portrait of the legendary performers--Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, James Brown, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Al Green among them--who merged gospel and rhythm and blues to create Southern soul music. Through rare interviews and with unique insight, Peter Guralnick tells the definitive story of the songs that inspired a generation and forever changed the sound of American music.
Peter Guralnick is an acclaimed American author and music historian renowned for his definitive biographies and writings on popular music. His notable works include 'Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke,' 'Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley,' and 'Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley.' Guralnick's writing is celebrated for its meticulous research, deep empathy, and lyrical prose, capturing the essence of his subjects and the cultural landscape of their times.
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View Collection“"Music is the lifeblood of the soul; it transcends time and space, drawing us into a collective rhythm that unites our stories and our struggles."”
Sweet Soul Music
By Peter Guralnick
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