Walking to New Orleans: The Story of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues

Walking to New Orleans chronicles the rise of rhythm and blues music in New Orleans from the 1940s through the early 1960s. Author John Broven draws from extensive interviews with musicians, producers, and industry figures to document this pivotal era in American music history. The book traces the evolution of the distinctive New Orleans R&B sound through profiles of key artists like Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and Dave Bartholomew. Record labels, studios, and radio stations that shaped the scene are examined through firsthand accounts and archival research. The narrative follows the music's journey from local clubs and dance halls to national prominence, including landmark recordings and tours that brought New Orleans R&B to mainstream audiences. Technical aspects of recording and production are explored alongside the business relationships and cultural forces that drove the genre's development. At its core, this is a story about how a unique convergence of people, place, and cultural heritage created an enduring musical legacy. The book illuminates the collaborative nature of artistic innovation and the role of community in nurturing new forms of musical expression.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of John Broven's overall work: 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."

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🎵 Author John Broven spent over 30 years researching New Orleans R&B, conducting extensive interviews with musicians, producers, and record label owners who shaped the sound of the era. 🎸 The book details how Cosimo Matassa's J&M Recording Studio became the epicenter of New Orleans R&B, recording hits like Fats Domino's "The Fat Man" and Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti." 🎼 New Orleans R&B emerged from a unique blend of jazz, blues, and Caribbean rhythms, with the city's rich musical heritage traced back to Congo Square where enslaved people gathered to make music in the 1800s. 🎹 The term "walking to New Orleans" comes from Fats Domino's 1960 hit song, which became an anthem for the city's distinctive musical style and cultural identity. 📀 The book reveals how segregation in the 1950s affected the music industry, with many Black artists recording in New Orleans but being promoted nationally by larger labels in New York and Los Angeles.