It'll be some time before another book comes out to take this one's place so far no others have come close. Most importantly, it makes you want to acquire a better record collection to fill in some gaps. Jeff Hannusch's book is required reading even for those simply interested in pop music in the 20th century. A little more candid and casual prose allows for the mood of the city to flow throughout. That one perhaps could be considered a good read if you really want to dig a little deeper into the different genres of music of that time, but I Hear You Knockin' is incredibly readable and as Hannusch says in his intro, the repeating of facts really serves to reiterate points than just sloppy writing. "Up From the Cradle of Jazz" is another great (but less focused) book about post WW-II music from the city. Several other books have been published with this subject matter covered within, but few have focused directly on the heyday of the Rhythm and Blues sounds from the city. Published originally in 1985, it is probably the most readable and accurate account of this New Orleans genre. This book has been a long time favorite of mine covering a relatively short (but vital) part of American music.
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