Newark born Amiri Baraka's (AKA LeRoi Jones) classic work on the place of jazz and blues in American social, musical, economic, and cultural history. From the music of African slaves in the United States through the music scene of the 1960's, Baraka traces the influence of what he calls "negro music" on white America—not only in the context of music and pop culture but also in terms of the values and perspectives passed on through the music. In tracing the music, he brilliantly illuminates the influence of African Americans on American culture and history.

"A must for all who would more knowledgeably appreciate and better comprehend America's most popular music, Negro in origin—blues based—but belonging to everybody" -- Langston Hughes

• Paperback
• 256 pages