Rock Music, Authority and Western Culture, 1964-1980 - by James A Cosby (Paperback)

About the Book

The history of rock and roll music can be seen in a long arc of Western civilization's struggle for both greater individual expression and societal stability. In the 1960s, the West's relationship with authority ruptured, in part due to the rock revolution. Though the effects are still with us today, the lessons and implications of this era have yet to be fully grasped. This book tells the story of the key artists, music, and events of the classic rock era-defined here as 1964 to 1980-through a virtual psychoanalysis of the West. Over these years, important truths unfold in the stories of British Invaders, hippies, proto-punks, and more, as well as topics to include drugs, primal scream therapy, the occult, spirituality, and disco and its detractors, to name just a few. With a narrative that is equal parts entertaining, scholarly, and even spiritual, readers will gain a greater appreciation for rock music, better understand the confusing world we live in today, and see how greater individuality and social stability may be better reconciled moving forward--

Book Synopsis

The history of rock and roll music can be seen in a long arc of Western civilization's struggle for both greater individual expression and societal stability. In the 1960s, the West's relationship with authority ruptured, in part due to the rock revolution. The lessons and implications of this era have yet to be fully grasped.

This book examines the key artists, music, and events of the classic rock era--defined here as 1964 to 1980--through a virtual psychoanalysis of the West. Over these years, important truths unfold in the stories of British Invaders, hippies, proto-punks, and more, as well as topics to include drugs, primal scream therapy, the occult, spirituality, and disco and its detractors, to name just a few. Through a narrative that is equal parts entertaining, scholarly, and even spiritual, readers will gain a greater appreciation for rock music, better understand the confusing world we live in today, and see how greater individuality and social stability may be better reconciled moving forward.

Review Quotes

"[An] intricate history of rock music's Golden Age. ... Cosby's vivid, perceptive prose captures the visceral impact of rock music while unearthing its roots in intense experiences and novel ways of life. The result is a compelling look at why, how, and where rock and roll moved us. A rich, insightful account of how rock music catalyzed a new world."-Kirkus Reviews

"Cosby interlaces cultural checkpoints among genres and musicians, giving readers a macro context while at the micro level telling rock's story at its most personal level."-Jeanie C. Crain, professor of English, emerita, Missouri Western State University

"In this well-researched, engaging narrative about the evolution of rock and roll, Cosby guides readers through a discussion on popular music and authority, from Elvis Presley's debut to the hedonistic, drug-fueled excess of the 1970s. ... [Cosby] expertly weaves together an intriguing and coherent story of rock and roll's evolution. ... Music historians will find much to like in this fantastic resource..."-Library Journal

"Readers with the remotest interest in the change wrought by the late 20th century, or who are even slightly curious how social movements mirror the political, will want to clear shelf space for these books, along with anyone looking for well-rounded view of the history of that era. ...impressive...should find a place among the great surveys of the era."-Broad Street Review

"Through a narrative that is equal parts entertaining, scholarly, and even spiritual, readers will gain a greater appreciation for rock music, better understand the confusing world we live in today, and see how greater individuality and social stability may be better reconciled moving forward. ...ground-breaking study...of immense value...recommended"-Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Attorney James A. Cosby is a regular contributor on pop culture matters for PopMatters.com and other outlets. He lives in Philadelphia.