Chronicling the creation of new categories of music like zydeco and jazz and the addition of distinct flavors to established genres like rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll, funk, and hip-hop, journalist Roger Hahn provides an overview of Louisiana's impressive role in the musical heritage of the last two centuries. He documents twenty musicians and musical groups who have—and still are—shaping the face of music in America. Profiles of well-known and more obscure, but no less influential, musicians include Jelly Roll Morton, Clifton Chenier, Irma Thomas, Buddy Guy, Li'l Wayne, and Hunter Hayes. Each profile centers on the cultural inheritance, accomplishments, and influence of the artists and features a full-color portrait by artist Chris Osborne. A bibliography is provided for further reading.
