Staff Picks: Music History Graphic Novels

Sat, 08/03/2024 - 1:53pm by nicole

Music, art, and history all combine in these nonfiction graphic novels that explore the backstories of bands and musicians. Read about the search for The Sound, rock 'n' roll parties, and even the birth of rap!

Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound by Dave Chisholm | Request Now

With narration adapted from Davis' own words and an innovative visual style that shifts to reflect Davis' constant musical changes, this 150-page graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation, all centered around his quest to find a mysterious sound he heard on a moonlit country road as a child.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Tomorrow's Parties: The Velvet Underground Story by Koren Shadmi | Request Now

An examination of some of New York rock 'n' roll's most iconic figures--The Velvet Underground & Andy Warhol--and the relationship that distorted their lives and changed pop culture. Born from the iconic NY art and music scene of the late '60s and the brilliant, untamed minds of its founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, The Velvet Underground are now considered rock 'n' roll royalty...but that wasn't always so. From surviving off oatmeal and donating blood for rent money, to the fame of being the de facto house band of Andy Warhol's Factory and the objects of the socialite's fleeting affection, to the unraveling of Cale and Reed's creative partnership in a storm of jealousy and paranoia, the Velvets' story is as bold, challenging, and fascinating as their music. Explore the story behind the group NYT called "arguably the most influential American rock band of our time," through good times and bad, as captured by Eisner-nominated Koren Shadmi.

 

In Search of Gil Scott-Heron : the "Godfather of Rap" by Thomas Mauceri | Request Now

Gil Scott-Heron is one of the most important artists of the past 60 years, and is widely credited as laying the foundations for modern hip hop as we know it. This gorgeous graphic novel follows the author as he attempts to track down the elusive "Godfather of Rap" for an interview that never seems to happen, while examining his target's music, controversial life, and lasting political and cultural legacy.

 

 

 

 

 

The Beatles in Comics by Michels Mabel | Request Now

In ten years of existence and only eight years of recording history, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr recorded twelve albums, composed more than 200 songs and revolutionized the world of music. Hundreds of books have explored this mythical group but The Beatles in Comics proposes an altogether different discovery. Through this volume, you'll be able to relive their greatest successes but also discover often overlooked anecdotes. From the Quarrymen to the split-up, through Beatlemania, here's the story of the Beatles told in a new light, through comics and fascinating fact-filled chapters.