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Read the Beat

Read About Go-Go with the Capital City Go-Go

DC Public Library and Capital City Go-Go celebrate the beat of D.C. all year round. Designated the official music of D.C. in 2020, Go-Go music is a style of funk that originated in Washington in the 1970s. Known for heavy bass, driving percussion and call-and-response, the genre is one of the most popular music forms in the city. Learn more about the sound and culture that makes up the vibrant Go-Go music scene by checking out these great books with your DC Public Library card.

Take It Off

The Hauntings and Fast Times of Rockers

I grew up listening to rock music, and the books below address the lives of some of my favorite musicians. Although I know basic information surrounding these artists, there are a lot of new details presented by the authors. I enjoyed learning more about these artists and the strength they possess to overcome many hardships to achieve their dreams.

Books by Year 1965-1971

What Year is it, Anyway? Part 1

Five books about 1965-1969 music and culture (with the year in the title!)

I love reading about rock and roll, and I love reading about rock and roll in a historical context. So when I noticed a theme emerging in the stacks of music books at our branches, I took note. That theme was "the year as title," a not-so-subtle bid that tells you exactly what you are in for at first glance. These tomes are fun and informative and so full of music-history-as-sociology minutiae, you can find all kinds of facts you did not know before.  

Book Cover of The Classical Music Companion

Intro to Classical Music

Classical music can be one of the most daunting topics for someone to get interested in. Although other forms of art such as literature and visual art have been around for centuries as well, classical music somehow seems like it existed for hundreds of years and then kind of stopped being created, leaving it stuck in the past and somewhat difficult to start discovering.

Anything Goes

Musical Theatre

Who doesn’t love a good show? Let’s look at an overview of one of America’s great homegrown institutions as well as some of the people and shows that have contributed to its history. Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theatre by Ethan Mordden

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine

Girls to the Front: Women, Punk, and Memoir

It's time to read n' rock.

Come into the studio, on tour, and to the afterparty with some of the most intriguing and commanding women of punk. Historically, music biographies place men center stage while women have been relegated to the margins.

Something Wonderful

We've Got Magic To Do

American musical theater inside and out

Here in Washington, we’re starting to get into the summer: the 90 degree weather, the building humidity and the drawing call to the beach. The transition from spring to summer, however, reminds me of my favorite awards show of the season: the annual Tony Award ceremony. As you take your last opportunity to review the season’s cast recordings, catch up on show highlights online and make your award predictions, why not pick up a book about this incredible art form?

The incantations of Daniel Johnston.

Graphic Novels about Musicians

I love music, and I love graphic novels. This was a fun list to make.  

Holy or Broken cover

Five Books About One Song

Expertise.  It's a nice thing to have, but it often takes time and effort that we don't have.  Luckily, it's fairly easy to be an expert on one very, very specific thing, like a song.  Think about it.  Would you rather spend 2 years studying American music history, or one afternoon learning all there is to know about "White Christmas?" Here are five books that will have you on your way to faking pop music expertise. 

Black is a Color cover

Summertime Fun: Art & Music

Many art and music festivals occur over the summer. Whether you're a fan, a developing artist or musician, or just curious, below are a selection of titles for your reading pleasure. Black is a Color by Elvan Zabunyan

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