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How Sweet the Sound

by Kwame Alexander

A history of Black music in America

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A history of Black music in America

Kwame Alexander’s illustrated book traces Black music in America through artists and sounds spanning generations, from Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday to Kendrick Lamar. The musical references are woven into a narrative accompanied by Charly Palmer’s illustrations, with more historical context on the music and musicians in the back matter. Together, the main text and supplementary material present Black music as both an artistic tradition and part of the broader history of American life.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 9–12 interested in music and its history
  • Young readers exploring influential Black musicians and American cultural history
  • Families or classrooms looking for an illustrated book with additional historical context

Themes

Black music in AmericaMusical history and cultural heritageMusic and American life

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this stunningly illustrated celebration of the history of Black music in America by the award-winning author of The Undefeated.

Listen to the sound of survival, courage, and democracy--the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday's raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong's trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Can you spot the 80+ references to artists like Robert Johnson, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and Beyonce?

Come dance to Kwame Alexander's melodious narrative of the history of Black music in America, accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Charly Palmer.

The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history about the music and musicians.

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