This companion presents a kaleidoscopic view of the world of pop and rock. Expert writers follow the rise of fifteen global stars from Elvis to Public Enemy, Nirvana to the Spice Girls. They chart the changing patterns in production and consumption, and they trace the way new technologies have changed the sounds and practices of pop. Alive to areas of current debate, they also focus on issues such as race and ethnicity, politics, gender and globalization. The anthology contains profiles of major figures from the pop and rock field. But at the heart of this companion is the music itself--rock, pop, black music, dance music, world music--its impact, its power and its pleasures. 'Whilst being of essential reading to the student of pop and rock it is also of interest to anyone who enjoys reading about the social history of our time.' Yorkshire Gazette 'This thought-provoking companion gives would be students a taster of what they might encounter on the several courses now available … it is to the book's credit that it adopts an all-encompassing approach.' Music Teacher 'Suitable as an introductory-level undergraduate book and there is also sufficient novelty of approach within some of the chapters to interest graduates and researchers alike.' European Journal of Communication Maps the world of pop and rock: its history, its stars and its controversies.