"The Encyclopedia of Early American Vocal Groups: 100 Years of Harmony: 1850 to 1950," by Douglas E. Friedman and Anthony J. Gribin is now available for purchase. How did we get from the minstrel shows of pre-Civil War days, to the classic vocal groups of the turn of the 20th century to rock and roll? This book explains how that remarkable transformation occurred. With information on more than 1500 vocal groups and a listing of more than 15,000 recordings by those groups, there is nothing else like it anywhere. Almost 600 pages of information!
Here is what others are saying about this book:
“As the founder of The Manhattan Transfer, I was very excited to hear about the arrival of The Encyclopedia of Early American Vocal Groups, the new book from Doug Friedman and Tony Gribin. This work provides a comprehensive look at the groups—such as the Andrews Sisters, Merry Macs, Delta Rhythm Boys, Pied Pipers and the Modernaires — that inspired Manhattan Transfer’s musical style. I don’t know of anywhere else where you can find such a detailed and interesting look at the history that preceded the breakout of rock-and-roll in the 1950s. As an avid record-collector and a student of popular music, this Encyclopedia is must-have!”—Tim Hauser, Founder, The Manhattan Transfer.
The Encyclopedia of Early American Vocal Groups does an excellent job of filling a long-standing void in the history of American vocal harmony—the period before the 1950s. This book provides us with an incredible amount of information about more than 1500 vocal groups—from the legendary to the not-so-well-known—as well as the most complete discography published to date and more than 100 illustrations and sheet-music covers from the period. Serious students of American musical history as well as collectors and music fans will want to add the Encyclopedia to their libraries.” — Terry Stewart, President and CEO, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Free shipping by Media Mail within the U.S. For questions, comments or shipping costs outside of the U.S., contact us at defriedman@harmonysongs.com
