One of the best known American musical styles, boogie woogie has a history that goes back to barrelhouses in the U.S. South at turn of the twentieth century. Silvester traces the evolution of the style from these early days, through its peak during the Second World War, and up to its current revival. Along the way, he introduces the pianists who made boogie woogie famous around the world, and discusses the influence of boogie woogie on big band swing, blues, and R&B. This authoritative volume will interest both boogie woogie aficionados and historians of U.S. popular music. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)