The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Popular Standards

by Max Morath, Michael Feinstein (Foreword)

Every major singer from Frank Sinatra to Christina Aguilera. Every major composer from Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim. Every major song from a century of favorites. Every major musician and lyricist. Every major styling from blues, jazz, and country to folk, big band, and rock and rollThe most recorded songs of all time. A guide to understanding the "standard" lingo. The evolution of popular music from Tin Pan Alley to contemporary musical theater, and more.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2002

About the author

Max Morath was an American ragtime pianist, composer, actor, and author. He was best known for his piano playing and is referred to as "Mr. Ragtime".

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, concise overview not only of the songs' musicality and the lives of their writers and performers, but also of their historical and cultural significance.

[Gig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems old-fashioned, but great for music reference.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent resources and suggestions, decent organization, unremarkable writing. A useful reference overall.

[Michael Jantze]

Loved the background stories on the songs and the people who made them standards.