The Blues Encyclopedia is the first full-length authoritative Encyclopedia on the Blues as a musical form. While other books have collected biographies of blues performers, none have taken a scholarly approach. A to Z in format, this Encyclopedia covers not only the performers, but also musical styles, regions, record labels and cultural aspects of the blues, including race and gender issues. Special attention is paid to discographies and bibliographies.

From the author of "A Century of Pop" comes an in-depth look at Stevie Ray Vaughn and his roots in the vibrant Texas music scene. Photos.

It has been 40 years since the untimely death of L.A.'s mystic and rock's Dionysus, Jim Morrison, yet the Doors have consistently inspired new generations of fans worldwide ever since. Highlighting one of the most influential, original, and outrageous American bands of the 1960s, The Doors FAQ is a dynamic, unorthodox exploration of this remarkable band and its enigmatic lead singer. Drawing upon unique sources, Rich Weidman digs deep and serves up fresh perspective on the music, from the garage to the hits to the outtakes; and on the band's members, from their roots, influences, and key industry partners to their rare talents, personal foibles, love affairs, and arrests. This volume also details every studio album and live recording, all the highs and lows of the Doors in concert (including the notorious 1969 Miami concert), Morrison's 40-day trial, and the death of the “Lizard King” in Paris in 1971, as well as post-Morrison milestones. Unlike the straightforward narratives of other Doors biographies, this inventive, ceremonious biographical collage leaves no stone unturned, covering the band both with Morrison and post-Morrison, including the 2010 When You're Strange documentary and the recent pardon of Morrison by the State of Florida for the Miami concert. Countless rare images from album art to ticket stubs to posters accompany the text, in this dazzling edition of solid rock scholarship.

Take an up-front and behind-the-scenes look at The Doors. Although their career with their wild and unpredictable frontman lasted barely six years, The Doors are one of the most mind-blowing bands in rock history. Formed in Los Angeles in 1965 by UCLA film school acquaintances Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek, the band became famous for a sound driven by powerful keyboards and haunting, stream-of-consciousness lyrics. Rounded out by guitarist Robbie Krieger and drummer John Densmore, the quartet released a string of six highly successful studio albums. Jim Morrison's death at age 27 didn't stop him or the band from joining the rock world's pantheon. The Doors: The Illustrated History is an extensive, chronological examination of the band's career with Morrison - a period which, though brief, suffers no shortage of tales and anecdotes - as well as their short stint as a trio post-Morrison and their more recent collaborations with the likes of Ian Astbury, Perry Farrell, Scott Weiland, and Skrillex. Candid concert images, revealing offstage photographs, and images of memorabilia like picture sleeves, gig posters, ticket stubs, buttons, and more comprise over 250 illustrations. A roster of respected music journalists' insightful analyses of each of the band's studio releases completes this in-depth, up-close look at this intense group of musicians and the legendary music they created. No fan will want to miss it!

This comprehensive two-volume set brings together all aspects of the blues from performers and musical styles to record labels and cultural issues, including regional evolution and history. Organized in an accessible A-to-Z format, the Encyclopedia of the Blues is an essential reference resource for information on this unique American music genre. For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of the Blues website.

Reviews and rates the best recordings of 8,900 blues artists in all styles.

While some cities owe their existence to lumber or oil, turpentine or steel, Kansas City owes its existence to food. From its earliest days, Kansas City was in the business of provisioning pioneers and traders headed west, and later with provisioning the nation with meat and wheat. Throughout its history, thousands of Kansas Citians have also made their living providing meals and hospitality to travelers passing through on their way elsewhere, be it by way of a steamboat, Conestoga wagon, train, automobile, or airplane. As Kansas City’s adopted son, Fred Harvey sagely noted, “Travel follows good food routes,” and Kansas City’s identity as a food city is largely based on that fact. Kansas City: A Food Biography explores in fascinating detail how a frontier town on the edge of wilderness grew into a major metropolis, one famous for not only great cuisine but for a crossroads hospitality that continues to define it. Kansas City: A Food Biography also explores how politics, race, culture, gender, immigration, and art have forged the city’s most iconic dishes, from chili and steak to fried chicken and barbecue. In lively detail, Andrea Broomfield brings the Kansas City food scene to life.