New York Puerto Ricans have been an integral part of hip hop culture since the very beginning: from 1970s pioneers like Rock Steady Crew's Jo-Jo, to recent rap mega-stars Big Punisher and Angie Martinez. Yet, Puerto Rican participation and contributions to hip hop is frequently downplayed, if not completely ignored. When their presence has been acknowledged, it is usually misinterpreted as a defection from Puerto Rican culture and identity into the African American camp. But, Rivera argues, nothing could be further from the truth. Through hip hop, Puerto Ricans have simply stretched the boundaries of Puerto Ricanness and latinidad.

Georgia on My Mind, Rockin' Chair, Skylark, Lazybones, and of course the incomparable Star Dust--who else could have composed these classic American songs but Hoagy Carmichael? He remains, for millions, the voice of heartland America, eternal counterpoint to the urban sensibility of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Now, trumpeter and historian Richard M. Sudhalter has penned the first book-length biography of the man Alec Wilder hailed as "the most talented, inventive, sophisticated and jazz-oriented of all the great songwriters--the greatest of the great craftsmen."

Stardust Melody follows Carmichael from his roaring-twenties Indiana youth to bandstands and recording studios across the nation, playing piano and singing alongside jazz greats Jack Teagarden, Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and close friends Bix Beiderbecke and Louis Armstrong. It illuminates his peak Hollywood years, starring in such films as To Have and Have Not and The Best Years of Our Lives, and on radio, records and TV. With compassionate insight Sudhalter depicts Hoagy's triumphs and tragedies, and his mounting despair as rock-and-roll drowns out and lays waste to the last days of a brilliant career.

With an insider's clarity Sudhalter explores the songs themselves, still fresh and appealing while reminding us of our innocent American yesterdays. Drawing on Carmichael's private papers and on interviews with family, friends and colleagues, he reveals that "The Old Music Master" was almost as gifted a wordsmith as a shaper of melodies. In all, Stardust Melody offers a richly textured portrait of one of our greatest musical figures, an inspiring American icon.

will.i.am is a music and style sensation! Founder of the pop group Black Eyed Peas, solo artist and collaborator, will.i.am is one of the biggest names on the music scene today. Known for his awesome outfits and amazing musical talent, his appearance on The Voice, and much more. Find out about the man behind the microphone; what inspires will.i.am, where he grew up, his interests in entrepreneurship, technology, fashion and entertainment, and his work in activism and philanthropy. Readers get a great close-up view of will.i.am - from his early days with the Black Eyed Peas - with interesting facts, fun trivia and quotes. Have a go at the will.i.am quiz, find out about his famous friends, and what he likes to do in his spare time. A fantastic respources for biography based project work; full glossary and index included. Each title in the Real-life Stories series looks at a celebrity who is at the top of their game and the height of their career. We take a look at how they got to where they are today, what their daily life is like and where they are going next.

Facts essential to official Justin Bieber fandom are collected in an entertaining one to 100 format that lists everything Bieber, from trivia to must-do activities. Those with Bieber fever who follow the pop star on Twitter, have seen "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," or attended a concert will be thrilled to take in such details about the young artist as his musical inspirations, the origins of "Kidrauhl," and the identities of the recording artists who fought to produce Justin's first record. The tidbits and trivia featured in the book include Justin's relationship with his fans, his love life, the celebrities he considers friends, and his ventures outside of music. Appealing to both the fan who wishes to know more and the die-hard who thinks they know it all, this fun read is a lighthearted way for fans to celebrate the singer that captured their hearts.

Superstar DJ Sam Francisco and his feline friends are throwing the best party. But the music is keeping Buzzkill Bill awake. He sends his dogs to shut it down. Then pest control, the firebrigade and the police! When Bill pulls the plug things look bleak, but luckily it's the people (and the cats) who make a party, not the fancy equipment.

Beyonce was quiet. A push-an-empty-swing kind of quiet. That's how most of the world saw her, until . . . . She can sing! Do you know she can sing? One teacher looked closer. Onstage, Beyonce became a different person. Dazzling! Confident Bold This was where she belonged. Beyonce is bold, talented, confident, and an inspiring voice and power to millions of people all around the world. This captivating picture book biography celebrates the icon's rise from a shy little girl to a world-famous superstar. Discover the story of Beyonce as she finds her voice, through trials and triumphs, and understand that you, too, can shine your light like Beyonce.

This title introduces readers to the life and music of Taylor Swift. Colorful photos, fun facts, and a timeline of key dates in her life make this book an exciting read for young music lovers.

Aretha Franklin is a musical and cultural icon who created an amazing legacy spanning six decades! Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, Aretha got her start singing in front of her father's Baptist congregation and found minor success as a gospel singer. She then set her sights on becoming a pop music artist and used her powerful voice and impressive skills on the piano to get a record deal. Aretha released her first of many celebrated albums at the age of 18. In 1987, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making her the first female artist to grace the prestigious list. With iconic hits such as "Respect" and "Think," and countless awards to her name including eighteen Grammys, Aretha Franklin is one of the bestselling artists of all time.

This is the no.1 fan guide to celebrate the global music phenomenon that is Billie Eilish. Packed with inspirational quotes, cool facts and amazing photography, We Love Billie Eilish follows her meteoric rise from bedroom singer to global megastar. How well do you know Billie? Discover her song inspiration, her unique style and more. Whether you consider yourself a Pirate or an Eyelash, there's something for every fan!

BTS: Top of K-Pop is the must-have commemorative celebration of the South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm. Packed with fascinating facts, sensational secrets, glossy photos and a Bangtan-boy quiz, this book takes fans up close and personal with RM, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V, Jin and Jungkook, and follows their electrifying rise to the top of the global charts. The ultimate book for ARMY as well as new K-pop fans everywhere.

A contemporary romance that hits all the right notes - the gorgeous first novel by Emery Lord, author of When We Collided, The Names They Gave Us and the Zoella & Friends 2017 Book Club title The Start of Me and You. After finishing with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O'Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. Reagan's best friend and country superstar Lilah Montgomery is about to kick off her 24-city tour, and Lilah is nursing a broken heart of her own - so this is a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence ... This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Niven, Jandy Nelson and Rainbow Rowell.

Join BTS's ARMY and learn the history of the international K-POP sensation! BTS (aka Bangtan Sonyeondan) has become one of K-POP's most well-known singing groups. The seven-member Korean boy band formed in 2013 and has slowly grown to worldwide fame through their music. Despite slow beginnings, the K-POP group now has millions of listeners around the world. They led the Korean Wave of music into the United States in 2017, and as of 2019, they are the only Korean group to top the US Billboard 200, and the first group since the Beatles to have three number-one albums in less than a year. BTS is also known for breaking the mold of K-POP, including social topics such as mental health, individualism, and social commentary in their hip-hop lyrics. TIME Magazine named the Korean Pop group as one of the 25 most influential people on the internet and named them as one of TIME's 100 most influential people of 2019. In the BTS Bible, you'll learn everything you could want to know about the sensational singing group, including: Individual member profiles Band concept and style History of their six-year rise to fame Chart-topping songs and videos Interviews with worldwide fans and music experts And more! Don't get left behind in the wake of the BTS success. Read all about the K-POP group that is changing the face of international music in the Unofficial BTS Bible.

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys. This book tells the story of Freddie Mercury, one of the greatest rock stars of all time. Learn about his early years as a shy young boy from Zanzibar. Discover how he became the lead singer of one of the most famous rock bands in history, Queen.

This title introduces readers to the life and music of Ariana Grande. Colorful photos, fun facts, and a timeline of key dates in her life make this book an exciting read for young music lovers.

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys. Taylor Swift started singing and writing songs at a very young age. Now she is a very famous singer - and lots more! How did she get there? This book tells the story of her life.

In June 1989, Paul Du Noyer was contacted by Paul McCartney's office in London and asked to interview the star as they had met once before and enjoyed a good raport. In the years that followed, Paul Du Noyer continued to meet, interview and work for Paul McCartney on a regular basis, producing magazine articles, tour programmes, album liner notes, press materials and website editorial. It's likely that Du Noyer has spent more hours in formal, recorded conversation with McCartney than any other writer. Conversations with McCartney is the culmination of Du Noyer's long association with McCartney and his music. It draws from their interview sessions across 35 years, coupling McCartney's own, candid thoughts with his observations and analysis.

Contains over twenty essays that offer varying perspectives on controversial issues related to rap music, such as if it is a significant American cultural music and if it harms women.

Filled with incredible color photos and fun facts, this unofficial fan guide tells the full story of the global phenomenon Blackpink.

The girls of Blackpink are more than just pretty faces. Since they debuted in 2016, the group has broken record after record, played shows across the globe, and built up a dedicated fan army of BLINKS. Now they’re one of the biggest K-pop groups the world has ever seen. And they’re only just getting started.

Read the whole story of Blackpink’s rise to fame in this extensively researched unofficial biography. Find out everything you need to know about Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé from their trainee days to their current lives as idols.

Full of high-quality photos and fun facts, this unofficial guide is a must-have for all BLINKS and K-pop fans!