Classic Guitars of the '50s
Several vintage reference books and guitar photo books have been published, but this is the first that analyzes the development of the electric guitar as pop icon and its impact within the context of the music and the culture of the 1950s. The backdrop of cultural influences on musical innovations such as Chuck Berry's electric R&B; (not to mention his duckwalk), Buddy Holly's electric pop, Duane Eddy's famous twang, and Chet Atkins's pop-country hybrid sound is as much a key to the music as the musicians and their instruments. Certainly the Fifties was a defining period for electric guitars, giving birth to the Gibson Les Paul and ES-335, Fender Precision Bass and Stratocaster, Gretch 6120, and many others. For this new work, 15 of the leading guitar writers from around the world have been asked to offer their insights into the growth and popularity of popular music of the 1950s and the electric guitars used to produce it. Edited by Bacon, author of ten books on vintage and collectible guitars, this work is well recommended for both academic and public libraries.?Eric C. Shoaf, Brown Univ. Lib., ProvidenceCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.