Black Music Is

Marcus Amaker

Jul 2021 · Free Verse, LLC · Narrated by Marcus Amaker

About this audiobook

“Black Music Is" is a poetic love letter to Black music and history, through the ears of Bebop the cat.

The book weaves poetry and pop-surrealist illustration, teaching readers about icons like Big Mama Thornton, BB King, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Max Roach, Prince and Alice Coltrane. It also mentions modern-day musicians Our Native Daughters, Saba, Rapsody, Big Joanie, Black Thought, and more.

In the book, Bebop the cat plays records by Black musicians in five genres: blues, hip-hop, rock, bluegrass, and jazz. Follow Bebop on a journey through American music history. Every record takes the cat to a different colorful sonic world.

"Black Music Is" is perfect for readers looking to learn more about music, and sharpen their knowledge of Black history.

The picture book was written by Marcus Amaker (Charleston, SC's first Poet Laureate) and illustrated by celebrated artist Nathan Durfee.

About the author

Marcus Amaker is the first Poet Laureate of Charleston, South Carolina. His work has been recognized by the Kennedy Center, Edutopia, The Washington National Opera, The Portland Opera, Button Poetry, PBS Newshour, NPR, and others. In 2021, Amaker was named a Poet Laureate Fellow by the Academy of American Poets. He is the author of nine books, and his poetry has been interpreted for ballet, jazz, modern dance, opera and theater. A winner of a South Carolina Governor's Award, Amaker is also a recording artist, the graphic designer of the national music journal No Depression, the artist-in-residence of the Gaillard Center and the creator of the Free Verse poetry festival. Amaker lives in North Charleston with his wife, daughter, cat and vinyl collection.