THE PRODUCER John Hammond and the Soul of American Music

Prial’s in-depth examination of American music impresario John Hammond is narrated by Ray Porter in an authoritative, forthright, and courtly manner. Prescient in identifying music as a harbinger of social change, Hammond discovered Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan, among many others. Born into Vanderbilt family wealth, Hammond had longtime affiliations with both Columbia Records and the NAACP, both of which helped him act upon his belief that good musical entertainment given its wings transcends racism and other prejudice. Assuming the tone of an insider, Porter is a masterful narrator whose bold, clear voice is especially appropriate for the material. Listeners will likely find themselves seeking out the great American music that is at the heart of this biography. W.A.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]