Traces the roots of black music in Africa and slavery and its evolution in the United States from the end of slavery to the present day. The music's creators, consumers, and distributors are all part of the story. Musical genres such as spirituals, ragtime, the blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop-as well as black contributions to classical, country, and other American music forms-depict the continuities and innovations that mark both the music and the history of African Americans.

Includes index.

From West Africa to slavery -- Jubilee and Tin Pan Alley : contrasting sounds of freedom -- The rise of ragtime and the blues -- The emergence of jazz -- Jazz at the Philharmonic : the jazz avant-garde and black classical expression -- Gospel, freedom songs, and the struggle for equality -- Black popular music as big business.