Be a Friend: The Story of African American Music in Song, Words, and Pictures - Softcover

Leotha Stanley; Henry Hawkins

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559331534 ISBN 13: 9781559331531

Publisher: Zino Pr Childrens Books, 1995

Synopsis

Be a Friend takes readers on a musical/historical journey through some of the most important music ever written. The book includes a history of African American music, beginning with its roots in Africa and slavery and covering five musical styles: spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, and rap. And it features eight songs composed and arranged by author Leotha Stanley. The sheet music for all the songs is featured in the book.

About this title

Review:

A charming introduction to this country's rich musical heritage. -- USA Today

A sensitive, well-written, and well-researched introduction to America's genuine classical music: the music of African Americans. -- Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Harvard University, Department of Afro-American Studies

Be A Friend: The Story of African American Music in Song, Words and Pictures describes the story of African American music with original songs, historical information, illustrations and photos, and inspirational messages for children ages 8 and older. Be A Friend is divided into five chapters: spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, and rap. Leotha Stanley composed and arranged eight songs in the five musical styles. In his songs, he conveys uplifting messages about friendship, honesty and self-respect. An audio cassette accompanies Be A Friend: side one features all eight songs sung by Madison, Wisconsin, elementary school students; side two includes the musical accompaniment only. -- Midwest Book Review

Calling on his obvious skills as a writer... and composer, Stanley...pays tribute to the rich African American musical tradition. --Publishers Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Zino Pr Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 1559331534
• ISBN 13: 9781559331531
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Henry Hawkins