Legends of Rock

Book excerpt: From the roots of rock in the 1950s to the music of such contemporary favorites as Coldplay and Green Day, this spectacular celebration of rock and roll traces the history and highlights of this most enduring and most controversial of music. From beatniks to punks, and from hippies to grunge rockers, rock has experienced and encouraged countless social and cultural transformations. It has recounted how the world was and how young people wanted it to be, helped several generations dream and live, and produced art and culture which have left an indelible mark on society. "The Legends of Rock "recounts the stories and the cities, instruments, fashions, and personalities that have made rock great. Organized chronologically, this comprehensive volume spotlights pioneers such as Elvis Presley, beloved storytellers like Bob Dylan, classic favorites including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and The Who, punk rockers like Patti Smith and the Sex Pistols, grunge rockers including Nirvana and Pearl Jam, as well as perennial icons Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and many more. Throughout the book, portraits and vibrant pictures of the performers in concert, as well as images of the greatest albums of all time, supplement the entertaining text. With its great photographs, irresistible factoids, and wealth of tidbits, this book will be irresistible to baby boomers and teens alike.