Prince fans and others interested in popular music will find much to love and ponder in this engaging collection.--Brett Rohlwing "Library Journal"
Given the incredibly broad scope of Prince's talent, we could be interrogating the man and his creative output until the end of time. Nevertheless, this highly readable collection draws together a fascinating range of perspectives, which effectively spans Prince's diverse career. A thoughtful, surprising, and at times laugh-out-loud contribution to the growing field of Prince studies.--Sam Coley, associate professor researching music documentary production at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom
This thoroughly researched, persuasively argued, and groundbreaking body of work examines the aesthetic achievements and organic style of a young entrepreneur, artist, producer, writer, and actor, who was not only a versatile musician, i.e., mastering a collection of electric guitars, drums, pianos and keyboards, but is also recognized as a trend setter and fashion icon. Feel My Big Guitar: Prince and the Sound He Helped Create explores the influences of Jimi Hendrix, Rick James, George Clinton, and Joni Mitchell on Prince, who was a musical genius and pioneer. Prince's music represents a 'conscious-raising experience, ' and his legend was that of one of the most valuable artists in America. Prince was 'unquestionably a political animal' who successfully linked radical lyrics, an independent spirit, and symbolic facial art. Prince, as this volume illustrates, 'left no stone unturned.' Funk was in his DNA, as was rock, soul, and R&B.--Ronald J. Stephens, professor of African American studies in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Purdue University
06/02/2023
The sudden passing of musical icon Prince in April 2016 at the age of 57 was a hard blow for music fans. Yet thanks to his enormous catalog, even longtime fans continue to discover awe-inspiring songs and performances that invite careful study and analysis. This book's editors—Jeffries (African American and African studies, Ohio State Univ.; Huey P. Newton: The Radical Theorist); Shannon M. Cochran (African American studies and women's and gender studies, Clayton State Univ.); and Molly Reinhoudt (managing editor, Research in African Literatures and Spectrum: A Journal on Black Men)—collected 10 essays from academics, musicologists, critics, and musicians who all share a fascination with Prince. They explore Prince's complex music by evaluating the genres he utilized, his musical ability and influences, and the cultural and social commentaries contained in his lyrics. Highlights include essays by H. Zahra Caldwell, who compares Prince to Rick James, and by Ignatius Calabria, who looks at Prince's guitar talent to gauge where he fits among the all-time greats, notably Jimi Hendrix. None of the essays are particularly lengthy, making this book an easy read. VERDICT Prince fans and others interested in popular music will find much to love and ponder in this engaging collection.—Brett Rohlwing
