To be on the cutting edge of the music and entertainment industry, one should possess an in-depth knowledge of the evolution of modern popular music, as well as its history, roots, and traditions. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy this engaging overview of pop music from its historic roots to today’s chart topping styles. Discover how the changes in recording technology have influenced the music we buy and listen to. Experience a wonderful and fascinating musical odyssey while exploring dozens of idioms including blues, folk, ragtime, jazz, big band, spirituals, blue grass, Tejano, Cajun, musical comedy, western, gospel, country, skiffle, rock and roll, R&B, soul, funk, Motown, hard rock, disco, heavy metal, reggae, corporate rock, punk, worldbeat, new wave, grunge, new age, easy listening, techno, rap and hip hop. A spotlight shines on hundreds of influential artists, songwriters, performers, and music legends such as Louis Armstrong, Robert Johnson, Bing Crosby, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, John Coltrane, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, B.B. King, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Bee Gees, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Nirvana, Garth Brooks, Metallica, Shania Twain, U2, Celine Dion, and Eminem. EVOLUTION OF MODERN POPULAR MUSIC is the first in a series of books dealing with the history of music by author, musician, entertainment lawyer, and historian Mark Vinet. It offers an in-depth study and detailed analysis of the dramatic events and talented individuals who created and later influenced the eclectic, vibrant, and colorful art form known as pop music. Includes over 350 photographs! Easy-to-read musical adventure showcasing dozens of pop music styles and hundreds of world famous artists. -- Pop Music Magazine, February 6, 2004 Vinet vividly describes how pop music evolved into one of the 21st century s main social, economic and cultural forces. -- Harmony Bulletin, February 9, 2004 Well-written overview of pop music from its historic roots to today s chart-topping styles with great photographs. -- Music Times Review, February 2, 2004 Historian and author Mark Vinet was born in 1964 in Sorel, Quebec, Canada. He is a fluently bilingual (English-French) entertainment and copyright lawyer, and, co-founder and former Executive Vice-President of MPV Entertainment (Kafka Records, Polliwog Festival, artist management, music publishing, music e-commerce, recipient of several ADISQ Félix awards, MIMI awards and JUNO nominations). Recipient of the "James McGill University Entrance Award" he obtained his law degree at McGill, was admitted to the Quebec Bar, and did post-graduate research work in the United States and Europe. Over the past 25 years, Mark has been involved in most aspects of the entertainment business in Canada, USA, and Europe (music, film, television, concerts, Internet). He began his career in music as a recording artist with Capitol/EMI and then switched to the business side of the entertainment industry while living in Los Angeles. He presently teaches college level courses in music history, entertainment business, contracts and copyright law. He currently is the host of an FM radio program and practices entertainment law in Montreal. Mark Vinet is founder of the Music History Association and the North American Historical Institute, which presents a series of his music history and North American history lectures. He is author of the book entitled CANADA AND THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: Prelude To War and the French language Civil War book entitled Le Québec/Canada et la Guerre de Sécession Américaine: 1861-1865.