From Billie Holliday to Aretha Franklin, Fela Kuti to Donna Summer, Elton John to Michael Jackson - it turns out that 38 classic tunes reflect and encapsulate the key historical moments of the 20th and 21st century. Jeffrey Boakye explores the roots and wider impact of these genres, touching on why they were celebrated or seen as problematic, their political and cultural impact, and their ongoing legacy today.