Both those who composed for the concert hall as well as composers of popular and vernacular forms are included. Although all genres of music are represented, close to half of the 185 entries are on classical composers. This is one of the strengths of the set because black composers of popular forms are more widely represented elsewhere. The list of 105 contributors includes many distinguished scholars and musicians. Some, like William C. Banfield, are the subjects of entries themselves.
Entries are substantial, often accompanied by a photograph.
Major archival holdings are noted. The essays are intended for educated lay readers, so notation examples are limited, but the commentary is not elementary. A reference list follows. Still, the art music composer of the Harlem Renaissance. Vernacular music composers from the Americas and Africa, such as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Thomas Mapfumo, and Bob Marley, are included, not for their fame and talent as performers but for their compositional impact on the traditions in which they work.