Liner Notes for the Revolution

In Liner Notes for the Revolution, Daphne A. Brooks delves into over a century of music archives to illuminate the complex roles of critics, collectors, and listeners in shaping perceptions of Black women in music. By examining iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé alongside lesser-known figures such as Zora Neale Hurston and Lorraine Hansberry, Brooks reveals how cultural narratives are constructed and challenged. The book explores themes of racial politics in blues and rock and roll, while highlighting the contributions of contemporary musicians like Janelle Monáe, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and Rhiannon Giddens as cultural historians.