A balanced, comprehensive look at rock from the beginning.
3/31/1999
Ms. Charlton's History is the rare rock book written from a musician's point of view. She starts from the very beginning in blues and jazz, and traces the various developments in what we call "rock". For example, she shows there could be no Rolling Stones without Little Richard, and no Little Richard without Howlin' Wolf and gospel. Ms. Charlton is eminently democratic in her even-handed discussion of ALL important rock acts, from Chuck Berry and Bill Haley to Ten Inch Nails. The roles of these groups are musicians are woven together in prose that is always calmly reflective and thorough, while never without enthusiasm. Ms. Charlton obvious loves rock music, and her book is an enduring trust for all those who love it also.