This is an exciting new series that charts the roots and development of American music from the 1600s to the present time. Each book has a bold and colourful design, contains clear informative text including biographies, and quotations, and has a wealth of fascinating archive and contemporary photographic material. It features a full glossary and index. This series explores: how the regional, economic and social history of the US has shaped the style of American music; the musical instruments, sounds and techniques that define a particular genre; the influence of past performers on the current generation of popular artists, such as Aerosmith, White Stripes, Norah Jones and OutKast; and 'Have a go' boxes that encourage creative writing.