DigeeBooks

"One of the best books of its kind in decades." —The Wall Street Journal An epic achievement and a huge delight, the entire history of popular music over the past fifty years refracted through the big genres that have defined and dominated it: rock, R&B, country, punk, hip-hop, dance music, and popKelefa Sanneh, one of the essential voices of our time on music and culture, has made a deep study of how popular music unites and divides us, charting the way genres become communities, shape-shifting across the years, giving us a way to track larger forces and controversies. In Major Labels, Sanneh distills a career’s worth of knowledge about music and musicians into a brilliant and omnivorous reckoning with popular music—as an art form (actually, a bunch of art forms), as a cultural and economic force, and as a tool that we use to build our identities.   As Sanneh unspools the stories of the genres that have defined popular music, the connections build, and big themes accrue momentum: the tension between mainstream and outsider, between authenticity and phoniness, between good and bad, right and wrong. Throughout, race is a powerful touchstone: just as there have always been Black audiences and white audiences, with more or less overlap depending on the moment, there has been Black music and white music, constantly mixing and separating. Sanneh debunks cherished myths, reappraises beloved heroes, and upends familiar ideas of musical greatness, arguing that sometimes, the best popular music isn’t transcendent. It expresses our grudges as well as our hopes, and it is motivated by greed as well as inspiration; music is a powerful tool for human connection, but also for human antagonism. The book will intoxicate music nerds, even as it serves as a heady gateway drug for occasional listeners, or even non-listeners. The opposite of a modest proposal, Major Labels takes on the whole extraordinary range of popular music over the past half century, and it pays in full.

Journey Through the Evolution of Popular Music: A Review of "Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres" by Kelefa Sanneh

In his captivating book, "Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres," Kelefa Sanneh embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between major record labels and the evolution of popular music across seven distinct genres: rock, country, jazz, blues, hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music.

Sanneh delves into the historical context of each genre, tracing the rise of major labels and their impact on shaping the sound, style, and distribution of popular music. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, he reveals the intricate interplay between record labels, artists, producers, and the cultural forces that have shaped the music industry.

With meticulous research and engaging prose, Sanneh takes readers on a journey through the major labels' pivotal moments, from the early days of the recording industry to the digital revolution that has transformed the way music is consumed and distributed. He examines the role of record labels in discovering and promoting new talent, shaping trends, and influencing public perception of popular music.

Sanneh also explores the complex relationship between major labels and artistic integrity, highlighting the tension between commercial success and creative freedom. He delves into the controversies and power struggles that have marked the music industry, from the payola scandals of the 1950s to the debates over streaming royalties in the digital age.

"Major Labels" is a must-read for music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the cultural and economic forces that have shaped popular music. Sanneh's insightful analysis and engaging storytelling bring to life the fascinating history of the music industry and its profound impact on our cultural landscape.