About the Book

The Rock History Reader is a collection of primary source material that brings to life the often contentious issues, arguments, conflicts and creative tensions that have defined rock's momentous rise and spread. The readings range from the vivid autobiographical accounts of such rock icons as Chuck Berry, Ronnie Spector, and David Lee Roth and the writings of noted rock critics like Lester Bangs and Simon Reynolds to a variety of selections from media critics, musicologists, fanzine writers, legal experts, sociologists and prominent political figures.

With numerous readings that delve into the often explosive issues surrounding censorship, copyright, race relations, feminism, youth subcultures and the meaning of musical value, The Rock History Reader tells the history of rock as it has been received and explained as a social and musical practice through its five-decade history.