Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges Into Music

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Plunges into...

by Bathroom Readers' Institute

What do Franz Liszt, Louis Armstrong, Woody Guthrie, and Elvis Presley have in common? What’s the story on the birth of the banjo, the electric guitar, and the Stradivarius violin? Why did disco happen? Who are the punk princesses? These are just a few of the questions answered in this lively book. Filled with facts, trivia, and stories about the world’s musicians, instruments, songs, and more, this endlessly diverting "plunge" dips into the history of Motown, muzak, and marching bands; tells the secret stories behind the hits; explores legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry, the Apollo, and the Fillmore; spots the rarely sighted “two-hit wonders”; describes the origins of karaoke, rap music, and the cha cha cha. In short, it includes all the music news that’s fit to print is here in a variety of formats — longer entries for extended sojourns and brief tidbits for shorter stays.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Trivia, Reference, Humor, History

522 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2007

About the author

The Bathroom Reader's Institute UJBR boasts more than 12 million books in print and a membership base topping 40,000 loyal readers . . .

Reviews

[Phillip Fuller]

This book was fun of fun facts about music and it had informative sections. I liked reading about how Black Sabbath invented heavy metal music and other fun facts. This was a great read that I poured over for hours and I still can't put it down.

[Patricia Fischer]

Anyone who enjoys Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers and/or music will LOVE this fascinating collection of information and trivia. Rock music is well-represented, but practically everything musical is included, from opera to the Carter Family to how to make a didgeridoo. And don’t forget to read the snippets at the bottom of each page. This is a book that would be great to pass on to a friend except no one wants a book you’ve been reading in the bathroom, especially during a pandemic.

[Adam]

Another wonderfully interesting installment from the Bathroom Readers' Institute! If you're at all interested in the world of music this 400+ page 'reference' book has got it all. From Beatles quotes to Woodstock history, unusual instruments to animal recordings, Uncle John knows just how to keep you busy on the john! Oh, and the splash-proof cover really seals the deal.

[Mitch]

I like Uncle John's format features and it works so well on so many diverse topics. I ran across a free copy of his Music tome (It's too voluminous to be just a mere book...) and, although music is not my main interest in life and I have zero good taste regarding what I like~ I read it through anyway.

It was interesting and well done, and I will pass it on to a lover of both music and trivia~ for this is how the universe works best.

[Drew Spevak]

Music is one of my interests. I found it interesting to read about the history behind the artists, songs and music. It's also nice to see a book like this share the specific references for each of its stories.

[Jim Ralston]

Not only is the text interesting, but the paper on which it is printed comes in "handy" in a "pinch".

Changed my conception of "doing one's business" - transforming it from solitary labor to joyous enlightenment.

[Teresa]

As a professional musician, I never realized that I was also so interested in Musicology. I couldn't put this book down. It is full of fascinating facts about all genres and eras of music, musicians, and instruments. A good read.

[Les Gehman]

Not a great work of art, but the bathroom readers are always enjoyable.

[Melissa]

I love the bursts of information and the varied sizes of the articles. Did it come in handy? Already dropped info on REM's Shiny Happy People on the unsuspecting public.

[JR]

Although my favorite thing to do is listen to music. This book. Not so much.

[Jo]

A particularly good BR edition, especially for music lovers of all stripes.

[Brian]

I've read all 25! Love them!