American Hit Radio: A History of Popular Singles From 1955 to the Present

 American Hit Radio: A History of Popular Singles From 1955 to the Present

by Thomas Ryan

Pages: 672

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. 

This work arranges Top 40 hits chronologically. The essays about each one include information on the artist, inspiration for the songs and the cultural context of when the songs came out. The book begins with singles from 1955 since that is when the Top 40 charts came into existence. The book was printed in 1995 so, of course does not include more recent works. If only authors (and their editors) would choose to name books with From (date) to "the Present." Now if only all these facts I've been reading and learning about music and musical theater, would stick in my head and be recalled at the right moment during trivia games, etc.

Comedians of Country Music by Stacy Harris

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Twelve country musicians could be called the stars of "Hee Haw".  Uncle Dave Macon started his career late in life, but became one of the memorable stars.

Audio:  1 hour, 1 minute
Print:  71 pages

Radio My Way by Ron Della Chiesa

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

This is about a Boston broadcaster of over 35 years at a station dedicated classical music. Says the worst thing that ever happened to him is hearing dead air.  At the end of this book are great biographies of musicians. 

Audio:  14 hrs. 45 min.

Print:  291 pages