Nager’s book (subtitled “The Lives and Times of America’s Musical Crossroads”) paints on a broader canvas than many books about southern music and is therefore an excellent introduction to the wider aspects of the Memphis sound. A cultural mixing board, where black and white folk have done musical business for two centuries or more.
Dipping into the early Memphis of the nineteenth century to provide the historical context, the book really begins to kick in for the R&B enthusiast at the turn of the century and the music of W.C Handy. Of all the books recommended in this Primer, this is probably the one that gives most insight into the development of the blues specifically (as opposed to R&B). Nager’s prose is simple and straightforward and he chronicles the changes in Memphis and its music very well indeed. R&B, hard country, straight blues and gospel and the strange mix that was the rockabilly of Sun studios are all documented and discussed.
Rob Bowman produced Soulsville USA, a terrific and detailed account of one particular operation (Stax) in the Memphis heartland. Nager has a similar eye for detail, but this book is as much about the culture of the South as its music, but along the way we get to meet and greet the likes of Bessie Smith, Alberta Hunter, Memphis Slim, B.B. King, Elvis, Billy Lee Riley, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Albert King, William Bell, Charlie Rich and many, many more…..can’t be bad!
A fine introduction to the Memphis sound and culture. You might however now struggle to find this for sale in the UK. If you can, it will be worthwhile, otherwise check out your local library before it closes down.
Is this still available in the UK? – this is the second time I’ve seen someone recommend it but I’m struggling to find it at any kind of reasonable price
It is available but as you say now quite expensive. Cheapest I’ve seen it is circa £22, which is a little pricey for a relatively small book. My advice is to keep looking on Amazon for a reasonable second hand copy. It is worth tracking down, as @redandwhiterag suggests.
11 years on and currently on Amazon for £11.99 used. Got to be worth a punt at that price. Other offers also available 🙂