Rhythm & Blues in New Orleans

Rhythm & Blues in New Orleans chronicles the development of R&B music in the city from the late 1940s through the 1960s. The book documents the key musicians, producers, record labels, and recording studios that shaped the distinctive New Orleans sound. Author John Broven combines historical research with firsthand interviews of major figures in the New Orleans music scene. His account includes the stories behind hit songs, recording sessions, and the business dealings that drove the local industry. The text explores the connections between New Orleans R&B and the emergence of rock and roll, featuring coverage of artists like Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and Little Richard. It details the role of essential producers and studios including Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio and the A&R work of Dave Bartholomew. The book stands as a testament to New Orleans' influence on American popular music, demonstrating how the city's unique cultural mix and musical heritage created a sound that spread far beyond Louisiana's borders.

Readers value this book as a detailed reference on New Orleans R&B music history from 1946-1965. Many note its thorough documentation of recording sessions, record labels, and artist profiles. Likes: - In-depth interviews with musicians and industry figures - Rare photographs and discographies - Clear chronological organization - Coverage of smaller labels and lesser-known artists - Focus on business and production aspects Dislikes: - Some sections read like lists of facts rather than narrative - Limited coverage of artists' personal lives - Few descriptions of the actual music and sound - Some dating/factual errors in early editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (37 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (21 ratings) Reader quote: "The level of detail on studio sessions and record releases is incredible, though at times overwhelming. This book works better as a reference than a cover-to-cover read." - Goodreads reviewer

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I Hear You Knockin' by Jeff Hannusch Chronicles New Orleans rhythm and blues through first-hand accounts from Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, and other pioneers of the sound.

Walking to New Orleans by Rick Coleman Documents Fats Domino's life and career through research and interviews that reveal the birth of New Orleans rock 'n' roll.

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Bounce: Rap Music and Local Identity in New Orleans by Matt Miller Traces the connection between New Orleans R&B traditions and the emergence of bounce music through interviews and historical documentation.

🎵 Author John Broven spent over a decade conducting interviews with New Orleans musicians, producers, and record label owners to create this comprehensive history 🎼 The book was originally published in 1974 under the title "Walking to New Orleans" before being revised and renamed in 1988 🎸 The text includes detailed accounts of Fats Domino's rise to fame and his collaboration with producer Dave Bartholomew, who helped create the "New Orleans Sound" 🎹 Broven documents how segregation in New Orleans paradoxically led to rich musical cross-pollination, as Black and white musicians frequently played together in back rooms and after hours 🎺 The book reveals how Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio, a tiny recording space above a appliance store, became the birthplace of countless R&B classics and helped launch the careers of Little Richard, Ray Charles, and many others