Studies in Popular Music: Routledge Global Popular Music Series

The Routledge Global Popular Music Series is a pathbreaking collection that delves into the multifaceted world of popular music, exploring its historical evolution, cultural significance, industry dynamics, and global reach. This series encompasses a wide range of topics, from the origins of popular music to its impact on society, providing a comprehensive understanding of this vibrant and ever-evolving art form.

Historical Perspectives

The series traces the historical roots of popular music, examining its emergence in the late 19th century and its subsequent evolution through various genres and subgenres. Books in this section investigate the interplay between popular music and social, cultural, and political forces, shedding light on how music has reflected and shaped societal changes.

• Popular Music in the United States since 1945: The Billboard Years by John A. Jackson
• The Cambridge Companion to Pop and Rock Music edited by Simon Frith, Will Straw, and John Street
• Popular Music History: The Key Concepts by Allan F. Moore

Cultural Significance

The series explores the cultural significance of popular music, analyzing its role in shaping identities, influencing youth culture, and reflecting social values. Books in this section examine how popular music has become a form of expression, escapism, and social commentary.

• Popular Music and Identity by Michael K. Ferrell
• Popular Music, Youth Culture, and Moral Panics by Richard A. Peterson and Karen M. Fields
• The Oxford Handbook of Music and Social Class edited by Georgina Born

Industry Dynamics

The series examines the music industry's structure, economics, and business practices. Books in this section analyze the impact of technology, globalization, and digital distribution on the music industry, exploring how it has adapted to changing consumption patterns.

• The Music Industry: Economics and Cultural Context by Catherine Moore
• The Routledge Handbook of the Global Music Industry edited by John Street
• The Economics and Management of the Music Industry by Thomas D. Hubbard

Global Impact

The series investigates the global reach and influence of popular music. Books in this section explore how popular music transcends cultural boundaries, becoming a shared cultural experience and a force for social and political change.

• Global Popular Music: Style and World Music by Michael K. Ferrell and Karen M. Fields
• Popular Music in the Middle East: A Transcultural History by Jane W. Miller
• The World Music Market: Global Sounds, Local Cultures by David Hesmondhalgh

The Routledge Global Popular Music Series offers a comprehensive and multifaceted exploration of popular music. Through its diverse range of topics and perspectives, the series provides a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, industrial, and global dimensions of this influential art form. Scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike will find this series an invaluable resource for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the world of popular music.

Further Reading

• Routledge Global Popular Music Series
• Popular Music
• What is Popular Music and Why is It So Popular?