Charles R. Townsend

A good and well-researched biography of an amazing man who changed the face of American music. Problems: Townsend focuses on the innovations in jazz and early country too much, and does not focus enough on such innovations as drums, backbeat rhythm, electric guitars, and proto-rock 'n' roll. Junior Barnard, grandfather of all electric rock guitar, is mentioned passingly once and in a picture caption (and inventor of the electric mandolin, Tiny Moore is rarely mentioned). Bob produced some of the earliest music we would now call rock, years before other contendors. Listen to the Tiffany Transcription of "Fat Boy Rag." Pure rock. Listen to "Bob Wills Boogie." Pure rock. 1947. Take that "Rocket 88."… (més)