I Hear a Symphony: Motown and Crossover R&B

By J. Andrew Flory and Andrew Flory

Book Overview

I Hear a Symphony opens new territory in the study of Motown's legacy, arguing that the music of Motown was indelibly shaped by the ideals of Detroit's postwar black middle class; that Motown's creative personnel participated in an African-American tradition of dialogism in rhythm and blues while developing the famous "Motown Sound." Throughout the book, Flory focuses on the central importance of "crossover" to the Motown story; first as a key concept in the company's efforts to reach across American commercial markets, then as a means to extend influence internationally, and finally as a way to expand the brand beyond strictly musical products. Flory's work reveals the richness of the Motown sound, and equally rich and complex cultural influence Motown still exerts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0472117416
• ISBN13: 9780472117413
• Release Date: May 2017
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.2" x 9.1"