Spoken Word

Postwar American Phonograph Cultures

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Radio, Television
Cover of the book Spoken Word by Jacob Smith, University of California Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jacob Smith ISBN: 9780520948358
Publisher: University of California Press Publication: February 7, 2011
Imprint: University of California Press Language: English
Author: Jacob Smith
ISBN: 9780520948358
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication: February 7, 2011
Imprint: University of California Press
Language: English

From the 1940s to the 1970s, the phonograph industry experienced phenomenal growth, both in sales and in cultural influence. Along with hugely popular music recordings, spoken word LPs served a multitude of functions and assumed an important place in the American home. In this book, Jacob Smith surveys a diverse range of spoken word genres—including readings of classic works of literature and drama, comedy albums, children’s records, home therapy kits, even erotica—to illuminate this often overlooked aspect of the postwar entertainment industry and American culture. A viable alternative to mainstream broadcasting, records gave their listeners control over what they could hear at home. Smith shows how the savvy industry used spoken word records to develop markets for children, African Americans, women, and others not well served by radio and television.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the 1940s to the 1970s, the phonograph industry experienced phenomenal growth, both in sales and in cultural influence. Along with hugely popular music recordings, spoken word LPs served a multitude of functions and assumed an important place in the American home. In this book, Jacob Smith surveys a diverse range of spoken word genres—including readings of classic works of literature and drama, comedy albums, children’s records, home therapy kits, even erotica—to illuminate this often overlooked aspect of the postwar entertainment industry and American culture. A viable alternative to mainstream broadcasting, records gave their listeners control over what they could hear at home. Smith shows how the savvy industry used spoken word records to develop markets for children, African Americans, women, and others not well served by radio and television.

More books from University of California Press

Cover of the book More than Night by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book The Essential Mario Savio by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book On Holiday by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Screw Consent by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Paradoxes of Green by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Exceptional States by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book English Heart, Hindi Heartland by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book How the Other Half Ate by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book A Passion for Society by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book The Art of Connection by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book The Snow Lion and the Dragon by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Buddha Is Hiding by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book The Mathers by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Funnybooks by Jacob Smith
Cover of the book Blue-Chip Black by Jacob Smith
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy