Overview

Meet the inventors and innovators who defined American music history. A radio repairman imagined inventing the electric guitar. The inventor of 3-D glasses envisioned an electric organ in every home. And a German carpenter immigrated to New York City with the dream of designing the greatest piano in the world. From Steinway pianos and Moog synthesizers to Zildgian cymbals and Martin guitars, noted music writer VanHeke offers a fascinating, insider view of the personalities and perseverance that led to some of music's most important innovations—from classical to jazz to rock. This ALA Notable Children's Book includes photos, source notes, and glossaries.

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9781590785744

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Reviews

From the country music of Bill Monroe and the classics of John Phillip Sousa to the jazz of drummer Buddy Rich and rock-and-roll legends John Bonham and guitarist Eric Clapton--readers will enjoy this back stage pass to the history of American musical instrument makers. --Voice of Youth Advocates

This absorbing history examines the lives and work of eight innovators in the design and manufacture of musical instruments. From Avedis Zildjian, who brought his family's centuries-old cymbal-making business from Turkey to Boston, to Robert Moog, whose electronic synthesizer rocked the music world, VanHecke's portraits celebrate the inquisitive scientific tinkering, dedication to craft and business moxie that rendered Steinway pianos, Hammond organs and Fender guitars both household names and performers' favorites. . . . Numerous well-captioned photos and period illustrations, sidebars and clearly labeled diagrams of the musical instruments expertly extend the text. Students and teachers of music are the natural audience for this unique treatment. -- Kirkus Reviews A handsome, clearly written book on a topic seldom presented to young people. -- Booklist From the country music of Bill Monroe and the classics of John Phillip Sousa to the jazz of drummer Buddy Rich and rock-and-roll legends John Bonham and guitarist Eric Clapton--readers will enjoy this back stage pass to the history of American musical instrument makers. -- Voice of Youth Advocates Absorbing history. . . . Examining the effect of the Great Depression, the World Wars and immigration on these family businesses vibrantly contextualizes those issues for kids. Numerous well-captioned photos and period illustrations, sidebars and clearly labeled diagrams of the musical instruments expertly extend the text. --Kirkus Reviews A handsome, clearly written book on a topic seldom presented to young people. --Booklist From the country music of Bill Monroe and the classics of John Phillip Sousa to the jazz of drummer Buddy Rich and rock-and-roll legends John Bonham and guitarist Eric Clapton--readers will enjoy this back stage pass to the history of American musical instrument makers. --Voice of Youth Advocates

Absorbing history. . . . Examining the effect of the Great Depression, the World Wars and immigration on these family businesses vibrantly contextualizes those issues for kids. Numerous well-captioned photos and period illustrations, sidebars and clearly labeled diagrams of the musical instruments expertly extend the text. --Kirkus Reviews A handsome, clearly written book on a topic seldom presented to young people.--Booklist From the country music of Bill Monroe and the classics of John Phillip Sousa to the jazz of drummer Buddy Rich and rock-and-roll legends John Bonham and guitarist Eric Clapton--readers will enjoy this back stage pass to the history of American musical instrument makers.--Voice of Youth Advocates

From the country music of Bill Monroe and the classics of John Phillip Sousa to the jazz of drummer Buddy Rich and rock-and-roll legends John Bonham and guitarist Eric Clapton--readers will enjoy this back stage pass to the history of American musical instrument makers. -- Voice of Youth Advocates

Author Information

Susan VanHeke is a journalist and author as well as the former publisher and editor of Original Cool, a rockabilly/swing magazine. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including Spin, Creem, Goldmine, the Washington Post, and the Virginian-Pilot. She is the author of Race with the Devil: Gene Vincent's Life in the Fast Lane; Three Steps to Heaven: The Eddie Cochran Story; Roadwork: 30 Years Touring with The Who, Rolling Stones, and Eagles, written with Tom Wright; and Flak Jacket Rock, written with Dean Ellis Kohler. She lives in Virginia.

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