The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 2

1964–1977: The Beatles, the Stones, and the Rise of Classic Rock

By: Ed Ward

Narrated by: David Colacci

It's February 1964 and The Beatles just landed in New York City, where the NYPD, swarms of fans, and a crowd of two hundred journalists await their first American press conference. It begins with the question on everyone's mind: "Are you going to get a haircut in America?" and ends with a reporter tugging Paul McCartney's hair in an attempt to remove his nonexistent wig. This is where The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 2 kicks off. Chronicling the years 1964 through the mid-1970s, this latest volume covers one of the most exciting eras of rock history, which saw a massive outpouring of popular and cutting-edge music.

Ed Ward weaves together an pause-resisting narrative told through colorful anecdotes and shares the behind-the-scenes stories of the megastars, the trailblazers, DJs, record executives, concert promoters, and producers who were at the forefront of this incredible period in music history. From Bob Dylan to Bill Graham, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Byrds, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and more, everyone's favorite musicians of the era make an appearance in this sweeping history that reveals how the different players, sounds, and trends came together to create the music we all know and love today.

©2019 Ed Ward (P)2019 Tantor

Very enjoyable!

Well written. Well narrated. I learned several things I didn't know. I'd like to see part 3.

real raw story of musicians dysfunctional lives making great music

good historical background without the excessive hyperbole. We all love good rock n roll and the evolution of music from the 50's through the 70's. This book along with the History of Country and Western music really appreciate the music and musicians much more.

The most interesting compendium of Rock and Roll

This is the second volume of a two-volume work on the phenomenon that we know and love as “Rock and Roll.” In this book, Ed Ward offers many insights into the different musicians who have affected the art. Much if this material was already known to me, but much of it was not. I’m glad that I had taken the time to purchase and listen to this audio book because it was a trip back in time for me and also a refresher course about the rock and roll scene of which I was privileged to be a part of in a big way then…and now. If you love Rock and Roll, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.

Just couldn't get into it

full of facts and stories, but I had a difficult time really getting into it. maybe each story was too short or long. it's a book I should have enjoyed more, but I just didnt

Indispensable! Vol. I and II are a must read!

Ed does a great job summarizing the high points of R n R history while touching on obscure tidbits that keep those familiar with rock’s history interested (‘The Warlocks’ name shared by two famous west and east coast bands). My only criticism was his sidestep over Punk which started well before ‘77 though he alludes to it (Elvis) being included in his next volume. Bravo!