Synopses & Reviews
Cole Porter, Fanny Brice, Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell: they all had something to sing about New York City. No city in the world has musically inspired more people in more diverse ways, which is why its hard to believe there hasn't been a book on the songs of New York until now.
New York: Songs of the City introduces music lovers to the best-loved songs and most evocative music written about America's premiere city. Drawing on years of research, music historian Nancy Groce serves as an engaging and informative guide for this urban tour, which features the lyrics of many of the more than 1,000 songs written about New York. Some celebrate certain neighborhoods, such as "My Pearl's a Bowery Girl" (1894) and "Chelsea Morning" (1967), some commemorate landmarks (1918's "The Statue of Liberty Is Smiling" and "Stompin' at the Savoy" (from 1936), while some pay tribute to the beautiful, musical, resilient city itself, such as 1977's smash "I Love New York" and the less insistent "I Happen to Like New York" (1930).
The musical landscape of New York its multitudinous rhythms, melodies, and messages is explored in rich, sometimes gritty detail through captivating vintage photos, and illustrations of sheet-music covers and album jackets. Fans of music, fans of folklore, and fans of New York will find something to enjoy in this energetic, aural tour of The City That Never Sleeps.