{"title":"Books about Reggae","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eExplore the life-affirming rhythms and revolutionary spirit of Jamaican music. From the pioneers who shaped the genre to the evolution of dub, roots, and sound system culture, our collection offers a comprehensive insight into the global resonance of reggae. Whether you are searching for definitive oral histories, intimate memoirs from iconic artists, or visual explorations of the culture, browse our curated catalogue below to discover the stories behind the basslines that changed the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bob-marley-the-untold-story","title":"Bob Marley: The Untold Story","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_48a6f29871f9c452\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:388\"\u003eExplore the enduring mystique of Bob Marley in this insightful book. What was it about this remarkable artist that allowed him to not only break through a rock 'n' roll dominated world but to flourish? Discover how he became, and remains, the undisputed king of reggae, a radiant symbol of both radical thought and profound peace for generation after generation of devoted fans worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:828\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-0 recitation citation-end-0\"\u003eAt just after half past eleven on the morning of May 11th, 1981, the world lost Bob Marley.\u003c\/span\u003e Yet, the man who gifted reggae to a global audience had already, within his own lifetime, ascended to the status of a true mythological hero. Rising from incredibly humble beginnings, armed with only his immense talent and deep religious conviction, this Jamaican recording artist dedicated himself tirelessly to sharing his powerful musical prophecy. And he succeeded. Just a year prior to his passing, Bob Marley and The Wailers' European tour captivated the largest audiences ever witnessed by a musical act up to that point. While Marley's record sales were extraordinary during his life, they have since reached phenomenal heights, as each new generation rediscovers the extraordinary power and resonance of his music.\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:651\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"citation-1 recitation citation-end-1\"\u003eChris Salewicz, who shared a series of memorable experiences with Bob Marley in Jamaica in 1979, now offers a comprehensive and richly detailed account of Marley's life and the vibrant world that shaped him and that he, in turn, came to dominate.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan class=\"citation-2 recitation citation-end-2\"\u003eThrough never-before-heard interviews with numerous individuals who knew Marley intimately, Salewicz weaves a compelling narrative that vividly brings to life not only the Rastafari faith and the dynamic Jamaican music scene but, most importantly, the very spirit of this extraordinary man.\u003c\/span\u003e This book promises to be a captivating journey into the life and legacy of a true icon.\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins Entertainment","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54169037963532,"sku":"9780007255535","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/bobmarley.jpg?v=1746650647"},{"product_id":"dennis-morris-music-life","title":"Dennis Morris: Music + Life","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_1c590dd6da768171\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:451\"\u003eLaurie Hurwitz's edited collection offers far more than a simple career retrospective of Dennis Morris; it's a vibrant and insightful journey through the lens of a truly significant photographer who has indelibly captured both music history and the nuances of Black culture. This book avoids predictable chronological narratives, instead unfolding in two electrifying parts that showcase the breadth and depth of Morris's remarkable six-decade career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:458\"\u003eThe opening section plunges the reader into Morris's formative experiences as a Black teenager in 1970s Britain, revealing the roots of his powerful documentary and street photography. His work from this period isn't just observational; it's a profound reckoning with race, politics, and cultural identity, documenting everything from the miner's strike to squat protests and civil rights organisations with a keen eye for eccentricity and individual spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:752\"\u003eThe second part pulsates with Morris's legendary encounters within the music world. His audacious teenage pursuit of Bob Marley laid the foundation for a career that saw him become the official photographer for the Sex Pistols and a key visual architect for John Lydon's Public Image Limited. The book doesn't just present iconic images; it conveys the energy and raw spirit of the 1970s reggae and punk scenes. Morris's lens captures the greats of reggae and roots music – from Lee 'Scratch' Perry to Toots and Jimmy Cliff – often forged through genuine friendships. Furthermore, it extends into later encounters with music legends like Patti Smith, Gregory Isaacs, The Stone Roses, and Radiohead, demonstrating the enduring reach of his artistic eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:467\"\u003eWith insightful contributions from agnès B and Sean O'Hagan, this collection transcends the typical photography book. It's a cultural document, offering previously unseen images and providing a long-overdue, in-depth exploration of Morris's influential work. This is a must-have for photography enthusiasts and music lovers alike, offering a unique and powerful perspective on two vital strands of contemporary culture through the distinctive vision of Dennis Morris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames \u0026 Hudson Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54188268749068,"sku":"9780500028377","price":36.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9780500028377.jpg?v=1743116264"},{"product_id":"when-rock-met-reggae-how-the-cultural-crossover-of-bob-marley-the-clash-the-specials-and-more-changed-the-face-of-rock-music","title":"When Rock Met Reggae: How the Cultural Crossover of Bob Marley, The Clash, The Specials and More Changed the Face of Rock Music","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c4092299b48121f5\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:462\"\u003e\"When Rock Met Reggae: How the Cultural Crossover of Bob Marley, The Clash, The Specials and More Changed the Face of Rock Music\" explores the fascinating and significant ways in which the vibrant sounds and cultural impact of reggae intertwined with the energy and rebellion of rock music. This book delves into the pivotal moments when these two distinct genres began to influence one another, examining the key artists who spearheaded this cultural crossover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:426\"\u003eIt analyses how figures like Bob Marley, with his powerful messages and distinctive rhythms, resonated with rock musicians seeking new sonic territories and lyrical depth and examines the crucial role of bands like The Clash and The Specials, who explicitly fused punk rock's raw energy with reggae's infectious grooves and socially conscious lyrics, creating a potent and influential new sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:454\"\u003eBy focusing on these key players and others within this musical intersection, the book demonstrate how this cultural exchange fundamentally altered the landscape of rock music, injecting it with new rhythms, lyrical themes, and a broader social awareness. Readers interested in the evolution of rock music and the powerful impact of cultural fusion will find this an insightful and engaging exploration of a truly transformative musical movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Backbeat Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54188273697036,"sku":"9781493074471","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781493074471.jpg?v=1743116348"},{"product_id":"there-and-black-again-the-autobiography-of-don-letts","title":"There and Black Again: The Autobiography of Don Letts","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_e36624a7aa59436c\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:586\"\u003eDon Letts, the Rebel Dread, has never walked a predictable line. Filmmaker, musician, DJ, broadcaster, social commentator, husband, and father – his very existence has been a vibrant defiance of conformity. Born in Britain to Windrush parents, Letts moved with an effortless cool between the raw energy of London's punk explosion and the deep, resonant pulse of its reggae scene, forging a unique and influential path. This updated 2024 edition of \u003cem\u003eThere and Black Again\u003c\/em\u003e offers an exhilarating look back at his exceptional life, a journey as eclectic and compelling as his own persona.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:868\"\u003eImagine a film directed by Letts himself, the narrative unfolding in a series of vivid scenes shot across a global landscape. From the gritty streets of London's punk heyday to the sun-drenched vibrancy of Kingston, the relentless pulse of New York City to the sprawling canvas of Los Angeles, the stark beauty of Windhoek to the unexpected quiet of Salt Lake City, and the iconic Jamaican backdrop of Goldeneye – each location serves as a stage for his remarkable story. And what a cast! Joe Strummer, John Lydon, the legendary Bob Marley (a friendship sparked by a daring hotel infiltration), Chrissie Hynde, the visionary Chris Blackwell, glimpses of Paul McCartney, the towering figure of Nelson Mandela, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, the powerful voice of Chuck D., and the revolutionary duo of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood all make memorable appearances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:523\"\u003eMore than just name-dropping, \u003cem\u003eThere and Black Again\u003c\/em\u003e immerses you in the pivotal moments that shaped Letts' trajectory: the raw energy of The Clash's White Riot tour where he served as manager for the incendiary Slits, his intuitive rise as a groundbreaking video director just as MTV was exploding onto the cultural landscape. This updated edition also resonates with the present, featuring Letts' potent reflections on the Black Lives Matter movement alongside the deeply personal currents of love, loss, and connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:473\"\u003eExpect a potent and moving blend of civil unrest, the electrifying communion of live music, sharp wit cutting through weighty issues, and the unwavering backdrop of political struggle. \u003cem\u003eThere and Black Again\u003c\/em\u003e isn't a conventional memoir; it's a refreshing and consistently surprising odyssey with a man who has never hesitated to forge his own distinctive rhythm through life. This is Don Letts in his own inimitable style – insightful, engaging, and utterly unforgettable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omnibus Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54188278022412,"sku":"9781915841421","price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781915841421.jpg?v=1743116458"},{"product_id":"pressure-drop-reggae-in-the-seventies","title":"Pressure Drop: Reggae in the Seventies","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c49143c46d94a5c5\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:491\"\u003eStep beyond the sunshine and palm trees; \u003cem\u003ePressure Drop\u003c\/em\u003e throws you headfirst into the gritty, pulsating heart of reggae's most transformative decade. This isn't a gentle stroll through musical history; it's a visceral immersion into the 1970s, a period where, against the stark realities of political turmoil, gang violence, the burgeoning power of Black Nationalism, and the crushing weight of social and economic injustice in both Britain and Jamaica, reggae found its revolutionary roar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:536\"\u003eThis compelling book unveils how the foundations laid by rocksteady and early reggae erupted into a sonic and cultural phenomenon, birthing the groundbreaking innovations of deejays, the otherworldly soundscapes of dub, the conscious fire of rockers, the soulful embrace of lovers rock, the raw energy of early dancehall, and the politically charged fusion of 2 Tone. The music that exploded onto the scene was a potent force, capable of both unflinching brutality and profound revelation, a soundtrack to a generation demanding change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"7:1-7:1036\"\u003eWhat truly elevates \u003cem\u003ePressure Drop\u003c\/em\u003e is its chorus of authentic voices. Far from a detached historical analysis, the book weaves together an intricate tapestry of eyewitness accounts and firsthand experiences from the very individuals who shaped this seismic musical shift. Imagine sitting down with the likes of Burning Spear, gaining insights from Chris Blackwell, feeling the soul of Gregory Isaacs, hearing the wisdom of Bunny Wailer, walking alongside Jimmy Cliff and Black Uhuru, experiencing the vocal dexterity of U-Roy, venturing into the sonic laboratory of Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and being transported by the genius of Augustus Pablo. Add to this the energy of Toots and the Maytals, the pioneering spirit of Desmond Dekker, the rhythmic backbone of Sly \u0026amp; Robbie, the dub innovations of Dennis Bovell, the cultural commentary of Don Letts, and the perspective of those who ignited the 2 Tone movement – not forgetting intimate glimpses into the lives of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh – and you have a truly unparalleled account.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:326\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePressure Drop\u003c\/em\u003e isn't just a book about the evolution of a genre; it's a vital document of a time when music became a weapon and a balm, a voice for the voiceless, and a powerful catalyst for change. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and utterly immersed in the raw, revolutionary energy of reggae's most unforgettable decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omnibus Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54188283691276,"sku":"9781913172848","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781913172848.jpg?v=1743116607"},{"product_id":"solid-foundation-an-oral-history-of-reggae","title":"Solid Foundation: An oral history of reggae","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_6bec8f08142d8a5a\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:461\"\u003eWith a foreword by Jacqueline Crooks, \u003cem\u003eSolid Foundation\u003c\/em\u003e stands as the definitive history of Jamaica's sacred music: reggae in all its forms. It spans from the pioneering sounds of early ska and rocksteady to the dancehall and reggae revival stars of the twenty-first century. This extensive history is woven into an engrossing narrative, charting the progression and development of the music, encompassing all its glorious highlights, controversies, and feuds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:300\"\u003eFirst published in 2003, and featuring interviews with over 200 of the genre's key artists, \u003cem\u003eSolid Foundation\u003c\/em\u003e has been revised and updated with abundant new material. Reissued as part of White Rabbit's Deep Cuts series, it now includes an introduction by award-nominated novelist, Jacqueline Crooks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:483\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Sunday Herald\u003c\/em\u003e hails it as \"The definitive history of reggae told through exclusive interviews with the genre's greatest innovators.\" \u003cem\u003eThe Wire\u003c\/em\u003e notes that \"\u003cem\u003eSolid Foundation\u003c\/em\u003e goes the extra yard to become a defining text, with Katz interviewing virtually every survivor from the island's 60s and 70s music scenes...it is a necessary work.\" Meanwhile, \u003cem\u003eRecord Collector\u003c\/em\u003e considers it \"a welcome addition to the narrow shelf of books that move beyond simplistic views of reggae.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"White Rabbit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54193570382092,"sku":"9781399606141","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781399606141.jpg?v=1743350037"},{"product_id":"i-just-cant-stop-it-my-life-in-the-beat","title":"I Just Can't Stop It: My Life in The Beat","description":"\u003cp\u003eRanking Roger's \u003cem\u003eI Just Can't Stop It\u003c\/em\u003e presents a candid and compelling autobiographical account from a significant figure in British music history. As the distinctive frontman of the multicultural band The Beat, Roger's narrative offers a valuable insight into the youthful and vibrant sound of the post-punk 2 Tone movement. This absorbing work extends beyond his notable career with The Beat and its subsequent iterations to explore his formative experiences as a child of the Windrush generation, his extensive tours of America, and his collaborations with prominent artists such as The Clash, The Police, and The Specials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:671\"\u003eThe autobiography avoids sensationalism, instead providing a direct and insightful perspective on Roger's personal and professional trajectory. It offers a nuanced understanding of the cultural landscape that shaped his musical development and the collaborative spirit that defined his interactions with fellow artists. \u003cem\u003eI Just Can't Stop It\u003c\/em\u003e serves as a significant contribution to the documentation of British popular music, offering a firsthand account from an individual who played a key role in a transformative era. The book will undoubtedly appeal to those with an interest in the socio-cultural context of post-punk and the enduring legacy of the 2 Tone movement.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Omnibus Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54193596694796,"sku":"9781913172435","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781913172435.jpg?v=1743350959"},{"product_id":"so-much-things-to-say-the-oral-history-of-bob-marley","title":"So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoger Steffens toured with Bob Marley for two weeks of his final tour of California in 1979 and the music icon was the first guest of Steffens' award-winning radio show. In So Much Things To Say, Steffens draws on a lifetime of scholarship to tell the story of Marley's childhood abandonment, his formative years in Trench Town, his seemingly meteoric rise to international fame and his tragic death at 36. Weaving together the voices of Rita Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer-as well as band members, family and friends-Steffens reveals extraordinary new details, dispels myths and highlights the most dramatic elements of Marley's life; his psychic abilities and his overriding commitment to the peace and love message of Rastafari. This landmark work will reshape our understanding of this legendary performer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WW Norton \u0026 Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54193603346700,"sku":"9780393355925","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9780393355925.jpg?v=1743351300"},{"product_id":"remixology-tracing-the-dub-diaspora","title":"Remixology: Tracing the Dub Diaspora","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_adc31c0e9e45fe01\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:483\"\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eRemixology: Tracing the Dub Diaspora\u003c\/em\u003e, Paul Sullivan delves into the evolution of Dub, reggae's avant-garde counterpart. As a collection of studio strategies and techniques, Dub was among the first forms of popular music to invert the concept of a song, and its full potential is still being unearthed. With a unique understanding of dance, electronic, and popular music, the Dub-originated ideas of remix and re-interpretation laid the groundwork for twenty-first-century music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:646\"\u003eThis book investigates Dub's origins in 1970s Kingston, Jamaica, and tracks its development as a genre, approach, and musical attitude right up to the present day. Stopping in key cities where it has had the most impact—London, Berlin, Toronto, Kingston, Bristol, New York—Sullivan's study covers a variety of genres, from post-punk to dub-techno, jungle to the now ubiquitous dubstep. Along the way, he converses with a host of international musicians, DJs, and luminaries of the Dub world, including Scientist, Adrian Sherwood, Channel, U Roy, Clive Chin, Dennis Bovell, Shut Up And Dance, DJ Spooky, Francois Kevorkian, Mala, and Roots Manuva.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:448\"\u003eThis comprehensive and lucid book follows several parallel threads, including the evolution of the MC, the birth of sound system culture, and the broader story of the post-war Jamaican diaspora itself. As one of the few books written specifically on Dub and its global influence, \u003cem\u003eRemixology\u003c\/em\u003e is also among the first to examine the specific relationship between Dub and the concept that now permeates all postmodern creative disciplines: the Remix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Reaktion Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54193609736460,"sku":"9781780231990","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9781780231990.jpg?v=1743351695"},{"product_id":"i-i-the-natural-mystics-marley-tosh-and-wailer","title":"I \u0026 I: The Natural Mystics: Marley, Tosh and Wailer","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_5a03409df0d844a8\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"1:1-1:428\"\u003eUncover the untold history of reggae legends Bob Marley and the original Wailers – a perfect must-read if you enjoyed the film \u003cem\u003eOne Love\u003c\/em\u003e. Over one dramatic decade, a trio of Trench Town R\u0026amp;B crooners – Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Bob Marley – exchanged their 1960s Brylcreem hairdos and two-tone suits for the 1970s battle fatigues and dreadlocks to become the Wailers, one of the most influential groups in popular music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"3:1-3:354\"\u003eNow, one of our finest non-fiction writers examines the story of this pivotal reggae band. Charting their complex relationship, their fluctuating fortunes, their musical zenith, and the politics and ideologies that ultimately provoked their split, Colin Grant reveals why they were not just extraordinary musicians but also possessed a natural mysticism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-sourcepos=\"5:1-5:547\"\u003eFollowing a trail that leads from Jamaica through Europe, America, Africa, and back to the vibrant and volatile world of Trench Town, Grant journeys in search of the last surviving Wailer. According to \u003cem\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/em\u003e, \"In Grant's hands life in Trench Town in the 1960's is energetic and theatrical, rich in comedy and tragic irony...This brilliant book is not just about Jamaica, but about ourselves.\" This promises to be an insightful and compelling exploration of a band whose music and message resonated far beyond the shores of their homeland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54193611473164,"sku":"9780099526728","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9780099526728.jpg?v=1743351785"},{"product_id":"bass-culture-when-reggae-was-king","title":"Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first major account of the history of reggae, black music journalist Lloyd Bradley describes its origins and development in Jamaica, from ska to rock-steady to dub and then to reggae itself, a local music which conquered the world. There are many extraordinary stories about characters like Prince Buster, King Tubby and Bob Marley. But this is more than a book of music history: it relates the story of reggae to the whole history of Jamaica, from Colonial Island to troubled independence, and Jamaicans, from Kingston to London.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54430409785612,"sku":"9780140237634","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0718\/4105\/4988\/files\/9780140237634.jpg?v=1754850154"},{"product_id":"beyond-the-bassline-500-years-of-black-british-music","title":"Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe story of Black British music is a five-hundred-year journey from the court of King Henry VIII to the 'Ends' of South London; from Africa to the Caribbean to the UK and back; from subterranean shebeens and church halls to royal command performances and sold-out stadiums; and from outsider influence to domestic chart domination. It is a story that grapples with the slave trade, the prejudice of unwelcoming institutions and the bias of ignorance, while ultimately celebrating the creativity and perseverance of the pioneers and today's digital age innovators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished alongside the major British Library exhibition, \u003ci\u003eBeyond the Bassline\u003c\/i\u003e is a landmark volume of essays, features and interviews which traces a new timeline underpinned by the Black artists and musicians who, over centuries, have shaped Britain's unique and globally significant musical culture. Illustrating this vibrant history which traverses musical genres from classical, gospel and jazz through to reggae, jungle and Afrobeats are more than three hundred images including contemporary and classic photographs, paintings, posters and record sleeves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced by the exhibition's curators, Dr. Aleema Gray and Mykaell Riley, and edited by Paul Bradshaw, music journalist and publisher of \u003ci\u003eStraight No Chaser\u003c\/i\u003e magazine, \u003ci\u003eBeyond the Bassline\u003c\/i\u003e tells its essential story through specially commissioned pieces from musicians, composers, DJs, writers and photographers, as well as important voices in politics and history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors and contributors include: Tej Adeleye, Christian Adofo, Ishmahil Blagrove, Jr., Stephen Bourne, Garth Cartwright, Monique Charles, Dalia Al-Dujaili, Tracy Durrant, Juliet Fletcher, Vivien Goldman, Julian Grant, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Anthony Joseph, Julian Joseph, Cassie Kinoshi, Kevin Le Gendre, Charis McGowan, Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm, Tony Montague, Malik Al Nasir, Sharon O'Brien, Michael I. 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