Book Alert: Top 5 Must Read Books For Music Lovers in 2016

Music is extremely powerful in shaping how you think and your personal development. It can manipulated in such as way that allows you to think differently about the world around you. It can politically charged, be inspirational, abstract, and really be just about anything else. Books and music can certainly go hand in hand because they are both capable in pushing out certain emotions out of us, leave us in awe, and in short, help us see something in a new light. Whether you’re reading to dig deeper into a particular genre’s history or a favourite artist’s rise to fame, here are 5 must read books for all music lovers: I’ll Take You There by Greg Kot <img class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-21263″ src=”https://www.merriammusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/enhanced-15482-1416239220-19-199×300.jpg” alt=”enhanced-15482-1416239220-19″ width=”199″ height=”300″></img> Who doesn’t like reading about behind the scenes, untold stories, and uncovered secrets? This gem is that and much more. It is the story of the Soul, R&B, and Gospel legend Mavis Staples, who used music to shine in the face of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. She formed the legendary Staple Singers group who went on to sell more than 40 millions records in part based on their politically driven music that inspired many during the civil rights movement. Here is the famous track the book is named after: http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=772YR4_rOBU 2. Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross <img class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-21342″ src=”https://www.merriammusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/51BDVmx0zFL._SX327_BO1204203200_-198×300.jpg” alt=”51BDVmx0zFL._SX327_BO1,204,203,200_” width=”198″ height=”300″></img> Jimi Hendrix was a monumental musical figure in the sixties as his psychedelic and experimental sounds added a new feeling to rock. His eclectic stage presence and controversial lifestyle coincided with his brilliance for studio production, incredible songwriting ability, and an unmatched swagger. After his premature death, his unconventional guitar sounds were widely imitated and served as a foundation for many successful artists today. This book shares Jimi’s rise to being an icon from those who had intimate relationships with him and is a must read for rock enthusiasts. Hendrix transcended the genre and this book is recommended for all music lovers in general. 3. Lady Sings The Blues: An Autobiography of Billie Holiday by Billie Holiday <img class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-21403″ src=”https://www.merriammusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/920×9201-196×300.jpg” alt=”920×920″ width=”196″ height=”300″></img> Who better to talk about her own story than the jazz legend herself? Billie Holiday is widely known as a pillar in the jazz genre alongside legends like Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra. This very vivid autobiography sheds light on her experiences with jazz, poverty, fame, and drug addiction. It’s a no holds barred books that will keep you reading on and truly appreciate Ms. Holiday and her impact on jazz. Prominent jazz musician Jose James recently released a full length album in honour of Billie Holiday and really reflects on her vital role in his career as well as the genre as a whole. http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecFG_n_MqyY 4. This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J Levetin <img class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-21353″ src=”https://www.merriammusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/brainonmusic1-200×300.jpg” alt=”brainonmusic1″ width=”200″ height=”300″></img> This book is very interesting as it comes from a rocker-turned-neuroscientist. [...]

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