I Hear a Symphony: Motown and Crossover R&B (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780472036868)

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.


Author: Andrew Flory
ISBN-10: 0472036866
ISBN-13: 9780472036868
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Language: English
Published: 05/30/2017
Pages: 344
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 02/01/2018

About the Author
Andrew Flory is an Assistant Professor of Music at Carleton College.