Library Journal
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6713692.html
Brunning, Bob & James Pickering. Chart Toppers: The Great Performers of Popular Music over the Last 50 Years. Firefly. 2009. 344p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-55407-496-9. $29.95. REF
This one-volume resource covers over 140 musical performers and musical groups that
Brunning (who played bass with Fleetwood Mac and is a teacher) and Pickering (the author of many books for children) feel have made an outstanding contribution to the field of popular music. The first of two sections is a review of famous performers and groups in each decade from the 1960s through 1990s. The second section is a review of artists in specific musical styles, with chapters on the great names in blues, heavy metal, jazz, reggae, rock and rap, rock'and'roll, soul, and world music. Each brief biography discusses the life and times of the performers, other musicians they were involved with, and details on how they achieved their fame. While the majority of the groups and artists receive a two-page spread, much of that space is used for photographs, album covers, sidebars discussing trends, and listings of the artists' most famous recordings. Depending on their musical experience, readers may find they are more familiar with some of the artists than with others. BOTTOM LINE In spite of the limited text, the authors' appreciation of the artists is apparent throughout. Although visually appealing, the book is not particularly scholarly. Most appropriate for middle and junior high school libraries, though public libraries might find it useful as well.—James Langan, Univ. of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, PA