OCTOBER? More like ROCK-tober!
Yorktown Public Library has your front row ticket to musical greats!
We admire musicians for being their authentic selves, for putting their feelings into words and sharing their emotions-both good and bad- through song.
You hear a song you identify with and you feel heard. You feel seen. You welcome that feeling of “that band gets me!”
For many of you, a musician was your first crush. You would watch TV shows (I want my MTV!) and devour teen magazines to learn all you could about your favorite musician. Hanging posters on your bedroom walls has now given way to following your favorite musician on social media.
Music follows you throughout your life and brings you right back to a certain event or emotion in time. You make room in your life for new music, but you never forgot those songs that became the soundtrack of your life. That is the emotional trigger music possesses. Quick! What song makes you think of high school or college? That special song magically popped into your thoughts instantly and I bet you are singing that song right now! And you may well be singing that particular song all day. You are welcome for that earworm! (Earworm=the experience of a song stuck in the brain.)
Time Magazine posted an article online in April 2023 that stated:
“Listening to music releases dopamine in the brain, with our dopamine levels increasing by up to 9% when listening to music we enjoy. That’s one reason why music has become so intertwined with how we express and comfort ourselves.”
Whatever style of rock you prefer-New Wave, Progressive (Prog) Rock, Grunge, or Punk-your Yorktown Public Library has the materials you need to get your day rockin’.
IN THE ADULT COLLECTION:
Unrequited Infatuations: Odyssey of a Rock and Roll Consigliere (A Cautionary Tale) by Stevie Van Zandt
Uncover never-before-told stories in this epic tale of self-discovery by a Rock 'n' Roll legend, member of the E Street Band, and subject of the acclaimed HBO documentary Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple. What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early '60s, unfolds on some of the country's largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how Rock and Roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story.
Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hagar-Sammy Hagar
Legendary lead singer of Van Halen, founder of the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand, and one of rock music's most notoriously successful performers--tells his unforgettable story in this one-of-a-kind autobiography of a life at the top of the charts. From his decade-long journey alongside Eddie Van Halen to his raucous solo career with Chickenfoot and everything in between--the drugs, groupies, and excesses of fame, the outrageous stadium tours, and the thrill of musical innovation. An essential read for music fans and anyone dreaming of becoming rock's next number one star.
Broken Music: A Memoir by Sting- A book about the early part of Sting's life, from childhood through adolescence. Sting discusses his solo act and his stint as the front man for the popular trio The Police.
We Love You Beatles: Why the Fab Four Still Matter to Their Hoosier Fans by David Humphrey
On September 1, 1964, the Beatles performed two sold out concerts at the Indiana State Fair. It was on that day when fans in the Hoosier state began their life-long love affair with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, ultimately passing that deep felt affection onto their children and grandchildren.
Baker's biographical dictionary of popular musicians since 1990
This A-Z biographical reference includes more than 550 entries focusing on artists active from 1990-2003. Individual artists and groups in all popular styles are covered, including those in rock, rhythm and blues, rap, country, electronica, jazz, vocal and crossover classical. Features include select discographies, bibliographies, a glossary of musical terms, a table of best-selling music since 1990 and more.
IN THE CHILDRENS COLLECTION:
The Rolling Stones by Thomas Forget
This book follows the career of this legendary English rock group that has been performing since 1962.
Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel
Forty years after her death, Janis Joplin remains among the most compelling and influential figures in rock-and-roll history. Her story--told here with depth and sensitivity by author Ann Angel--is one of a girl who struggled against rules and limitations, yet worked diligently to improve as a singer. It's the story of an outrageous rebel who wanted to be loved, and of a wild woman who wrote long, loving letters to her mom. And finally, it's the story of one of the most iconic female musicians in American history, who died at twenty-seven.
Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow. A Story of Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio
Jimi Hendrix was many things: a superstar, a rebel, a hero, an innovator. But first, he was a boy named Jimmy who loved to draw and paint and listen to records. A boy who played air guitar with a broomstick and longed for a real guitar of his own. This a story of a talented child who learns to see, hear, and interpret the world around him in his own unique way. It is also a story of a determined kid with a vision, who worked hard to become a devoted and masterful artist. Jimi Hendrix--a groundbreaking performer whose music shook the very foundations of rock 'n' roll.
Led Zeppelin: Legendary Rock Band by Michael Schuman
This book provides an overview of the history of this legendary English rock band and discusses the lives of the band members. A Led Zeppelin time line, a discography, a list of concert tours, a glossary, and suggestions for further reading are all included.
Bono: Rock Star and Humanitarian by Thom Winklemann
This book examines the remarkable life of U2 font man, Bono. Readers will learn about his family background, childhood, and education, as well as his career as a musician and his humanitarian work. Color photos, detailed maps, and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-read, compelling text. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index.
Aerosmith: Hard Rock Superstars by Jeff Burlingame
On March 19, 2001, Aerosmith rocked New York City's Waldorf-Astoria hotel, but it wasn't just another concert. After over thirty years performing together, Aerosmith had made it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Through good times and bad, band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Brad Whitford, and Joey Kramer know how to rock. Readers will learn about their lives and how Aerosmith formed, and almost fell apart.
IN THE CD COLLECTION:
This CD has music from original artists at the top of the class of 1960. The Drifters, Chubby Checker, The Shirelles and many more.
Be sure to check out the complete CD collection at your Yorktown Public Library for music of the musicians discussed in this post and many more!
IN THE DVD COLLECTION:
Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (Rated G)
When a ghoul begins to terrorize an amusement park, the Mystery Inc. gang comes head to head with the legendary rock group, KISS, who claim they're also there to solve the mystery. Now the two groups must learn to work together as the clues lead them on a cosmic journey to another dimension.
Bob Dylan didn't just transform music--he embodied an era. This unprecedented Biography presents a portrait of a man whose life and music have been a weather vane for his times.
An enthralling celebration of Queen, their music, and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and convention to become one of history's most beloved entertainers. Following Queen's meteoric rise, their revolutionary sound and Freddie's solo career, the film also chronicles the band's reunion, and one of the greatest performances in rock history.
IN THE VIDEO GAME COLLECTION:
PS2 Game Rock Band 2 (Rock Band #2)
This game allows you and friends to master guitar, bass, drums, and vocals in single-player mode, or play together as a band--in person or online.
ON THE LIBBY APP:
Late, late at Night by Rick Springfield (AUDIO BOOK)
In an extremely candid memoir which he authored himself, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Rick Springfield pulls back the curtain on his image as a bright, shiny, happy performer to share the startling story of his rise and fall and rise in music, film, and television and his lifelong battle with depression. Rick's story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace. This audio book is read by the author.
This audio book is also available as an eBook.
What is Rock and Roll by Jim O’Conner
Rock and roll sprang from a combination of African-American genres, Western swing, and country music that exploded in post-World War II America. Jim O'Connor explains what constitutes rock music, follows its history and sub-genres through famous musicians and groups, and shows how rock became so much more than just a style of music influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle. This entry in the New York Times best-selling series contains eighty illustrations and sixteen pages of black and white photographs.
Awesome African-American Rock and Soul Musicians by David Aretha
Author David Aretha explores the lives of nine influential musicians in this volume. From Chuck Berry, "the father of rock 'n' roll," to James Brown, "the godfather of soul," these musicians impacted music from their earliest hits, and their influences are still felt today. Each short biography ends with a brief timeline of the person's life and achievements.
Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band by Tommy Lee
Celebrate over thirty years of the world's most notorious rock band with the audio book edition of The Dirt--the outrageous, legendary, no-holds-barred autobiography of Mötley Crüe. Fans have gotten glimpses into the band's crazy world of backstage scandals, celebrity love affairs, roller coaster drug addictions, and immortal music.
Redbone: The True Story of Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler
Experience the riveting, powerful story of the Native American civil rights movement and the resulting struggle for identity told through the high-flying career of West Coast rock 'n' roll pioneers Redbone. You've heard the hit song "Come and Get Your Love" in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy, but the story of the band behind it is one of cultural, political, and social importance. Redbone tells a vivid story about this neglected chapter of American history.
The lights! The crowd! The thumping bass line!
Rock songs are the anthems of our lives. Trends come and go, but rock and roll always has a place in our hearts. Huey Lewis and the News said it best: The heart of rock and roll is still beating.