One nation under a groove

Early offers a wonderful overview of an exuberant moment in our musical history. He recognizes the advent of Motown as a symbol of all that is good and bad about pop culture and democracy. Early writes about the social climate of the '50s and '60s, particularly the Italian pop ballad singers like Frank Sinatra and Frankie Avalon and the rise of youth culture and rock and roll, which set the stage for Berry Gordy and his "family" business. He also addresses the geographic importance of Midwestern cities as fertile ground for the rise of Motown. Motown is explored for the profound influence it has had on the country. The mood of America was changed, not only in respect to music, but in regard to racial relationships and identity.