How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for America
Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Charly Palmer
This illustrated history follows the variety and influence of music made by Black Americans. Beginning with talking drums and moving through hymns, field hollers, spirituals, jazz, rock and roll, funk, rap, and more, it traces changing sounds across time. The book names and references musicians including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Kendrick Lamar. It also connects musical forms to survival, courage, political moments, and self-expression.
This book appears on 4 reading lists across 2 editions from 4 organizations.
