Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay is a book that explores the history of popular music from the early 20th century to the present day. Written by Simon Napier-Bell, a renowned music industry insider, the book delves into the stories behind some of the most iconic songs and artists of all time. Throughout the book, Napier-Bell provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry, sharing anecdotes and insights that only someone with his level of experience could provide.
Chapter 1: The Early Years
The first chapter of Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay covers the early years of popular music, beginning with the emergence of jazz in the early 20th century. Napier-Bell traces the evolution of jazz, from its roots in New Orleans to its spread across the world. He also discusses the rise of other genres, such as blues and country, and how they influenced the development of popular music.
Chapter 2: The Golden Age of Pop
In the second chapter, Napier-Bell focuses on the golden age of pop, which he defines as the period between the 1950s and the 1970s. During this time, pop music exploded in popularity, with artists like Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones dominating the charts. Napier-Bell provides a detailed overview of this era, including the impact of rock ‘n’ roll, the British Invasion, and the rise of psychedelic rock.
Chapter 3: The Disco Era
The third chapter of Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay is dedicated to the disco era, which emerged in the 1970s and dominated the music scene for much of the decade. Napier-Bell discusses the origins of disco, as well as its impact on popular music and culture. He also provides insights into the rise of other genres, such as punk and new wave, and how they influenced the development of disco.
Chapter 4: The 1980s and Beyond
The fourth chapter of the book covers the 1980s and beyond, a period of great change in the music industry. Napier-Bell discusses the rise of MTV, which transformed the way music was marketed and consumed. He also covers the emergence of new genres, such as hip-hop and grunge, and how they influenced the development of popular music. Finally, he provides a brief overview of the music industry in the 21st century, including the rise of digital music and the impact of the internet.
Conclusion
Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay is a fascinating exploration of the history of popular music, told through the eyes of someone who has been at the heart of the industry for decades. Napier-Bell provides readers with a wealth of information about the music industry, from the early days of jazz to the rise of digital music. Whether you’re a music lover or simply someone who enjoys learning about the history of popular culture, Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay is a must-read.
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