This refreshingly current, best-selling text provides a highly readable, chronological examination of the roots and history of American popular music, from 1840 to the present. The focus is on basic music fundamentals as well as the elements of each style; the heritage and diversity of popular music; the underlying kinship among its many styles; and the evolution of popular music from minstrel show music to rap and alternative. The text’s opening chapter introduces students to the elements of popular music through a familiar musical example. The text is available with an exclusive, high-quality heritage 3-CD set that contains each selection discussed in depth in the first two thirds of the book: from the early twentieth century through the 1960s. The remaining examples may be accessed via online iTunes and Rhapsody playlists (or from the student’s music collection). When packaged with the text, the CDs are available at a substantial discount. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.