An 18-year-old Moroccan who loves Black Sabbath. A 22-year-old rapper from the Gaza Strip. These people are as representative of the world of Islam today as the conservatives and extremists seen on the news. Despite governmental attempts to censor them, musicians and fans keep playing and listening - partly for the joy of self-expression, but also because here everything is political. Mark LeVine tells the story of an aspect of modern Middle Eastern culture that seldom makes it into the news, but is nevertheless hugely important to the people living there today.
Author Biography
Mark LeVine is a musician who has recorded and toured with acclaimed performers, including Mick Jagger, Dr. John, Ozomatli, and Hassan Hakmoun. He is also a professor of Middle Eastern history at the University of California-Irvine and holds a doctorate in Middle Eastern history and Islamic studies.
