Contemporary Musicians

by Deremer, Leigh Ann

• ISBN13: 9780787660277
• ISBN10: 0787660272
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-08-01
• Publisher: Gale / Cengage Learning

Summary

While popular music in all its varied forms is a source of common interest and an insatiable curiosity among readers of all ages, thorough biographical information about its stars and superstars can be difficult to find. Consult this ongoing reference series for biographical information on more than 3,600 important figures in today's musical arena. Covering all genres of modern music, Contemporary Musicians profiles artists involved in rock, jazz, pop, rap, rhythm and blues, folk New Age, country, gospel and reggae.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. ix
Muhal Richard Abrams: Covers broad musical territory	p. 1
Aerosmith: Veteran rockers	p. 4
Chava Alberstein: Israel's "first lady of folk"	p. 9
Vanessa Amorosi: Australian pop sensation	p. 12
Syd Barrett: Songwriting genius behind Pink Floyd	p. 15
Ray Barretto: Leading force in contemporary Latin music	p. 19
Kenny Barron: Jazz sideman known for verve and sensitivity	p. 22
Beausoleil: Grammy Award-winning Cajun group	p. 26
Black 47: Blend of Celtic music, rock, funk, and reggae	p. 29
Jane Bunnett: Jazz saxophonist champions Cuban culture	p. 31
Ralph Burns: Big band arranger and composer	p. 34
Willie Colon: Influential Latin jazz musician	p. 37
Ray Conniff: Composer and conductor of pop vocal choruses	p. 40
Cowboy Mouth: New Orleans roots music group	p. 43
Cradle of Filth: Controversial gothic-metal group	p. 46
Culture Club: 1980s New Wave group	p. 49
The dB's: Popular power-pop	p. 52
De La Soul: Pioneering rappers	p. 54
Delerium: Prolific electronica duo	p. 57
The Derailers: "Heavy country" group	p. 59
Alejandro Escovedo: Alternative country veteran	p. 61
Faithless: High-energy dance tunes	p. 64
54-40: Eclectric rock blend	p. 67
Frank Emilio Flynn: Influential Cuban jazz pianist	p. 70
David "Panama" Francis: Remarkable jazz drummer	p. 73
Norman Granz: Jazz impresario with a social conscience	p. 76
Bruce Haack: Critically acclaimed children's songwriter	p. 79
John Hartford: Unique "grass-rock" sounds	p. 82
Juliana Hatfield: Pop with a sharp lyrical edge	p. 85
Heather Headley: Star of the Broadway stage	p. 89
Joe Henry: Moody lyrics make powerful statement	p. 92
Bruce Iglauer: Alligator Records founder	p. 94
Jimmy Eat World: "Emocore" rockers	p. 97
Sumi Jo: International opera star	p. 99
Etta Jones: Vocalist made unique mark on jazz	p. 102
Rita Lee: Exemplifies Brazilian rock 'n' roll	p. 105
Otto Luening: Pioneer of electronic music	p. 108
Lovin' Spoonful: 1960s hitmakers	p. 111
Low: Minimalist, underground rock	p. 114
Baaba Maal: Senegalese singer a world music leader	p. 117
Lonnie Mack: Electric guitar virtuoso	p. 120
Natalie MacMaster: Popular Celtic fiddler	p. 123
Mana: Successful Mexican rock group	p. 126
Kathy Mattea: Award-winning, progressive country	p. 129
Big Jay McNeely: Rabble-rousing saxophonist	p. 132
Gian Carlo Menotti: Legendary opera composer	p. 135
Molly Hatchet: "Blue-collar" Southern rock	p. 138
Moloko: Dance music duo	p. 142
Juice Newton: Country with rock crossover appeal	p. 145
Out of the Grey: Contemporary Christian music duo	p. 148
Augustus Pablo: Made lasting contribution to Jamaican music	p. 151
Itzhak Perlman: Master violinist	p. 154
Pink: Pop with an attitude	p. 157
Powerman 5000: Eclectic goth-metal blend	p. 160
Rage Against the Machine: Rockers committed to social activism	p. 163
Simon Rattle: Esteemed conductor	p. 167
The Rembrandts: Had hit with Friends theme song	p. 171
Rheostatics: Celebrated Canadian rock group	p. 174
Tex Ritter: Famed singing cowboy	p. 176
Jimmy Rushing: Soulful jazz vocals	p. 179
Sade: Smooth, cool pop	p. 182
S Club 7: "Tweener" vocal pop group	p. 185
Sevendust: Nu-metal rock hybrid	p. 188
Shaggy: One of reggae's most popular artists	p. 191
Alan Silvestri: Accomplished film composer	p. 194
Zoot Sims: Swing saxophonist	p. 196
Sister Sledge: Sibling R&B vocal group	p. 199
Angie Stone: "New soul queen"	p. 202
Strawbs: 1970s progressive rock group	p. 205
The Strokes: Critically acclaimed indie group	p. 208
Styx: Arena rock icons	p. 211
Michelle Tumes: Ethereal Christian music	p. 214
Uncle Tupelo: Sparked alternative country genre	p. 217
U-Roy: Helped start reggae's dub revolution	p. 219
Russell Watson: Britain's "people's tenor"	p. 221
Cumulative Subject Index	p. 225
Cumulative Musicians Index	p. 255
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