Music History & Criticism: Top 10 Books

Discover the Best Music History & Criticism Books

If you’re passionate about understanding the rich tapestry of music history and criticism, you’re in for a treat. This curated list of the top 10 books in this genre covers everything from jazz legends to groundbreaking rock albums, offering insightful analyses and compelling narratives. These books are essential for any music lover looking to deepen their appreciation and knowledge. Read on to find your next great read and add these must-have titles to your collection.

By Jane Doe

SaleBestseller No. 1

Brass Instruments: Their History and Development (Dover Books On Music: Instruments)

• Baines, Anthony (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages – 04/19/2012 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

$15.43

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SaleBestseller No. 2

The History of Rock & Roll, Volume 2: 1964–1977: The Beatles, the Stones, and the Rise of Classic Rock (The History of Rock & Roll, 2)

• Hardcover Book
• Ward, Ed (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 336 Pages – 11/19/2019 (Publication Date) – Flatiron Books (Publisher)

$23.45

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SaleBestseller No. 3

American Negro Songs: 230 Folk Songs and Spirituals, Religious and Secular (Dover Books On Music: Folk Songs)

• Work, John W. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 06/17/1998 (Publication Date) – Dover Publications (Publisher)

$16.12

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SaleBestseller No. 4

Meet the Great Composers, Bk 1: Short Sessions on the Lives, Times and Music of the Great Composers, Book & Online Audio (Learning Link, Bk 1)

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Hinson, Maurice (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 72 Pages – 07/01/1995 (Publication Date) – Alfred Music (Publisher)

$17.55

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SaleBestseller No. 5

The Hits Just Keep on Coming: The History of Top 40 Radio

• Fong-Torres, Ben (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 272 Pages – 10/10/2001 (Publication Date) – Backbeat (Publisher)

$3.49

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Bestseller No. 6

Standard of Excellence, Book 1: Theory & History Workbook

• KJOS Model#L21
• Elledge, Chuck (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 06/15/1993 (Publication Date) – Neil a Kjos Music Co (Publisher)

$8.50

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SaleBestseller No. 7

Country Music: An Illustrated History

• Hardcover Book
• Duncan, Dayton (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 560 Pages – 09/10/2019 (Publication Date) – Knopf (Publisher)

$18.69

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SaleBestseller No. 8

Assimilate: A Critical History of Industrial Music

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Reed, S. Alexander (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 376 Pages – 06/05/2013 (Publication Date) – Oxford University Press (Publisher)

$32.60

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Bestseller No. 9

The Cambridge History of Music Criticism

• English (Publication Language)
• 842 Pages – 12/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Cambridge University Press (Publisher)

$48.00

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SaleBestseller No. 10

Music Is History

• Hardcover Book
• Questlove (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 10/19/2021 (Publication Date) – Harry N. Abrams (Publisher)

$12.84

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Check out other Top 10 lists about Music!

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Discover the top 10 books on music history and criticism. Dive into insightful analyses and compelling narratives from jazz legends to rock icons. Perfect for music lovers.

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Music history, music criticism, best music books, jazz history, rock music, classical music, Prince Purple Rain, Allman Brothers, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, music literature, music analysis, music culture, book recommendations.