About this item
Highlights
- An authoritative history of the groundbreaking syndicated television show that has become an icon of American pop culture, from acclaimed author and filmmaker Nelson George, "the most accomplished black music critic of his generation" (Washington Post Book World).
- Author(s): Nelson George
- 256 Pages
- Performing Arts, Television
Description
About the Book
Originally published in hardcover in 2014.Book Synopsis
An authoritative history of the groundbreaking syndicated television show that has become an icon of American pop culture, from acclaimed author and filmmaker Nelson George, "the most accomplished black music critic of his generation" (Washington Post Book World).
When it debuted in October 1971, seven years after the Civil Rights Act, Soul Train boldly went where no variety show had gone before, showcasing the cultural preferences of young African-Americans and the sounds that defined their lives: R&B, funk, jazz, disco, and gospel music. The brainchild of radio announcer Don Cornelius, the show's producer and host, Soul Train featured a diverse range of stars, from James Brown and David Bowie to Christine Aguilera and R. Kelly; Marvin Gaye and Elton John to the New Kids on the Block and Stevie Wonder.
The Hippest Trip in America tells the full story of this pop culture phenomenon that appealed not only to blacks, but to a wide crossover audience as well. Famous dancers like Rosie Perez and Jody Watley, performers such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Barry White, and Cornelius himself share their memories, offering insights into the show and its time--a period of extraordinary social and political change. Colorful and pulsating, The Hippest Trip In America is a fascinating portrait of a revered cultural institution that has left an indelible mark on our national consciousness.
From the Back Cover
Soul Train boldly went where no variety show had gone before, showcasing the cultural preferences of young African Americans and the fashions and sounds that defined their lives: R&B, funk, jazz, disco, and gospel music. The brainchild of Don Cornelius, who was the show's producer and host for decades, Soul Train featured a diverse range of stars, from James Brown and David Bowie to Gladys Knight and R. Kelly; from Marvin Gaye and Elton John to the New Kids on the Block, Stevie Wonder, and the Beastie Boys.
From acclaimed author and filmmaker Nelson George, The Hippest Trip in America tells the full story of this legendary pop-culture phenomenon. A landmark program in black music and culture, Soul Train presented a positive image of black America--for black America--and became destination television every Saturday. Here famous dancers like Rosie Perez and Jody Watley, performers such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Barry White, and Don Cornelius himself all share their memories, offering insights into the show and its time--a period of extraordinary social and political change.
The Hippest Trip in America is a vivid and vital portrait of a revered cultural institution that has left an indelible mark on our national consciousness.
Review Quotes
"A kaleidoscopic trip through one of the brightest zones in the evolution of American culture." -- Booklist
"George's in-depth look at a revered TV show is one of those rare music-centric books that will transcend its subject's core fan base. Even those with just a casual interest in Soul Train will be happy to take this trip." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"30 years of rapier-keen social history and street-savvy cultural criticism." -- USA Today
"George's book does a great job of assessing the sociological, stylistic and economic power of 'Soul Train.'" -- New York Daily News
"The definitive book on 'Soul Train'" -- New York Times Book Review
"George is one of the best music writers around... he crafts a compelling narrative." -- Andrea Battleground, AV Club
"A loving history." -- Pitchfork.com
"An engaging read for those wanting to understand more clearly why Soul Train is such a monumental part of popular-music history." -- SoulTracks.com
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