📖 Overview
John Broven is a British-born music historian and author who has specialized in documenting American roots music, particularly the evolution of rhythm and blues, swamp pop, and early rock and roll in Louisiana and the American South.
His landmark books include "Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans" (1974, originally published as "Walking to New Orleans") and "South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous" (1983), which are considered definitive works on their respective musical genres and regions. These texts combine extensive original research with firsthand interviews of musicians, producers, and record label owners.
In 2009, Broven published "Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers," which examines the development of the American independent record industry in the 1940s and 1950s. His work has earned recognition from the Blues Foundation, which inducted him into their Blues Hall of Fame in the Literature category.
Broven has served on the Board of Directors for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and has contributed to various music publications and liner notes throughout his career. His research methods and detailed documentation of American musical history have influenced subsequent generations of music historians.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Broven's deep research and first-hand interviews, with many noting his ability to uncover previously undocumented details about American roots music. Reviews frequently mention his thorough documentation of the New Orleans R&B scene and Louisiana's musical heritage.
What readers liked:
- Comprehensive historical details and context
- Personal stories from musicians and industry figures
- Clear explanations of musical developments
- Inclusion of rare photographs and discographies
What readers disliked:
- Dense writing style that can be academic
- Some sections get too technical about recording processes
- Limited coverage of certain artists or sub-genres
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (across all books)
Goodreads: 4.3/5 average
One reader on Amazon noted: "Broven goes beyond surface-level history to reveal the business and personal relationships that shaped the music." A Goodreads reviewer commented: "The level of detail is impressive but sometimes overwhelming for casual readers."
📚 Books by John Broven
Rhythm & Blues in New Orleans (1974)
Chronicles the evolution of R&B music in New Orleans from the 1940s through early 1970s, featuring interviews with musicians, producers, and record label owners.
South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous (1983) Documents the development of Cajun and Zydeco music in South Louisiana through first-hand accounts and historical research.
Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers (2009) Examines the American record industry from 1940-1965 through interviews with independent label owners, producers, promoters, and distributors.
Walking to New Orleans: The Story of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues (2016) An expanded edition of his 1974 work, incorporating additional research and interviews about New Orleans' R&B music scene.
South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous (1983) Documents the development of Cajun and Zydeco music in South Louisiana through first-hand accounts and historical research.
Record Makers and Breakers: Voices of the Independent Rock 'n' Roll Pioneers (2009) Examines the American record industry from 1940-1965 through interviews with independent label owners, producers, promoters, and distributors.
Walking to New Orleans: The Story of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues (2016) An expanded edition of his 1974 work, incorporating additional research and interviews about New Orleans' R&B music scene.
👥 Similar authors
Peter Guralnick writes about American roots music history with a focus on Sun Records, Memphis blues, and early rock and roll. His research methods and interview-based approach mirror Broven's work documenting regional music scenes.
Jeff Hannusch specializes in New Orleans R&B and the Louisiana music scene from the 1940s-1970s. His books contain first-hand accounts from musicians and industry figures who shaped the regional sound.
Stanley Booth chronicles Southern music culture with an emphasis on Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. His writing combines historical documentation with personal observations from time spent in recording studios and clubs.
Robert Palmer examines the development of blues music and its evolution across different regions of the American South. His work traces musical connections between rural and urban styles while documenting the careers of influential artists.
Michael Tisserand focuses on Louisiana music history with particular attention to Cajun and Creole traditions. His research incorporates cultural context and social history alongside musical analysis.
Jeff Hannusch specializes in New Orleans R&B and the Louisiana music scene from the 1940s-1970s. His books contain first-hand accounts from musicians and industry figures who shaped the regional sound.
Stanley Booth chronicles Southern music culture with an emphasis on Memphis and the Mississippi Delta. His writing combines historical documentation with personal observations from time spent in recording studios and clubs.
Robert Palmer examines the development of blues music and its evolution across different regions of the American South. His work traces musical connections between rural and urban styles while documenting the careers of influential artists.
Michael Tisserand focuses on Louisiana music history with particular attention to Cajun and Creole traditions. His research incorporates cultural context and social history alongside musical analysis.