Beyond the Bassline is a new interactive installation at Ipswich County Library inspired by the British Library's exhibition, charting 500 years of black British music. Take a look at our recommended children's books, sharing stories about the greatest black musicians ever lived!
Meet Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, the mega-talented singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, and movie star, whose music has thrilled millions around the world, smashed records and won her award after award. Find out what she thinks she used to look like, how she turned an insult into a best-selling single, and why she threw expensive earrings into an audience. Get to know Beyoncé on first name terms!
Aretha Franklin, 'The Queen of Soul', was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was twice voted Greatest Singer of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. She was also an important activist for civil rights and women's rights. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the broadcaster's life.
From a young age, Prince was obsessed with music. Even though he couldn't read it, his talent - whether on piano, drums, guitar or vocals - turned him into an icon. Combining funk, disco, soul and almost every other genre out there, his songs are some of the best-loved all around the world. Prince knew that he didn't have to be like anyone else to be a star - and there was no one quite like Prince. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the music legend's life.
At just 8 years old, it was clear that Steveland Judkins was going to be a star. Renamed Stevie Wonder for his astonishing talent on the piano and other instruments, he wrote and performed some of the biggest hits of the 1970s. Stevie became known for his inventiveness, his soulful voice and the social commentary in his lyrics. He is a UN Messenger of Peace and remains one of the music world's most iconic figures. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the great musician's life.
Meet Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. This mini biography charts Ella's life, from her early singing days on the streets of Harlem, to her success as a jazz legend, with the message: 'It's not where you come from, but where you're going that counts'. This inspiring story of the First Lady of Song features a facts and photos section at the back.
This illuminating and defining biography from bestselling author Traci N. Todd, with illustrations from award-winner Christian Robinson, tells the story of Eunice Waymon, who grew up to become Nina Simone - and shares her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy with a new generation.
Each title in this series introduces readers to a fascinating non-fiction subject through its 40 most famous people or groups. In this book, 40 of the most inspirational movers, shakers and innovators in black music history are waiting to be heard. Find out about each artists most iconic shows, genre defining techniques, friends, rivals, and nicknames. Each artist profile is complete with 5 must-listen-to tracks: perfect for the budding audiophile.
A history book with a twist, structured around a playlist of twenty three songs, listed chronologically. Each song is a jumping off point for deeper social, political and historical analysis, tracking key moments in Black history, and the emotional impact of both the songs and the artists who performed them. The book redefines British history, the Empire, and post colonialism, and invites readers to immerse themselves in music and think again about the narratives and key moments in history that they have been taught up to now.
