Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed the World

Woah! This has already been well reviewed. But for those "Amazon fans" who read my reviews fairly often, and might've missed this great book, this complete package is something to take notice of if you're a music lover. The title says it all--inside are "Legends, Icons, & Rebels", and "Music That Changed The World."This is something I wasn't prepared for. This almost 12"X12" hardcover book with a very cool jacket contains some of the best artistic portraits of some of the best performers ever. Not only is the artwork very fine, the text is equally good. Yes, it's a "children's book", but what they don't really say is it's also a very cool adult music fan's book. The text is obviously written for younger readers (but not so simple as to bore adults), but so what? The information is still valid, interesting, and informative. The layout of the book is awesome too--you have to see it to understand--the samples on the Amazon page don't do it justice.Plus you get 2 CDs with a pertinent track from each artist. I know that most of us will already own the music included, but (again) so what? Together the text, the graphics, and the music make for an unbeatable package. And on an adult level, are there other artists who could've been here? Of course. But that's not the point. As a kid's book it's a great eye-opener to some great performers and music. And to an adult music fan (like me) it's just a cool book to read through beginning to end, or simply browse through. Or you can just enjoy the wonderful graphics that are very well executed, and that just about jump out at you as you turn virtually every page. I did take the CDs out (like I do with all CDs that come with books) of the slots (with a thumb notch for easy "out") in the inside of the back cover and put them in a double CD holder so they wouldn't get damaged.Well, I've said enough. Others have reviewed this fine book in more detail than I. But it is such a great book on different levels that I thought I just had to say something about it. This book has a place in my dedicated library alongside a number of other well done books on music. In my fifty-plus years of reading I've been lucky/foresighted enough to have amassed a fairly large number of books (I've kept everything I've ever read from the beginning) related to music (genres, specific eras, groups, biographies/autobiographies of individual musicians, critiques, etc.) along with hundreds of other volumes on many subjects. The shelves are bulging/bowing so I've become particular about what I add to my library--and this book is a no-brainer as far as that. Give this great book to a music loving child you know, and give a copy to yourself.

Bought this book as a way to teach my kids about modern music. We are currently reading a chapter or two a night (2 pages) with a 6 year old girl and 4 year old boy. Some of it is a little (just a little) over their heads, but overall they are gaining a huge appreciation of lots of different types of music. They now ask for Bob Marley in the car and Chuck Berry to dance to at home. They want to know how the different styles of music fit together and what genres were first, who influenced who, etc.Overall we are very happy with the book. I have always loved The Band and you can tell Robbie Robertson is not only a life long student of music, but also a huge fan of the musicians he writes about (sometimes a little over the top). The song for each chapter is a nice touch as well. However, I have found using Spotify or YouTube to play the suggested song is easier since it is right on my iPhone and often the kids want to hear more examples of the artist we are reading about (more than one songs worth).Great time of year to pick this up - covers all genres and varieties of 20th century music and would do well under the tree.

This book is informative, beautiful, and fun! I know it's being marketed toward grade school kids as a brief education on the people who were vital to the musical world, but it truly is ideal for music lovers of all ages. My collection of books on music would not be complete without this on the shelf.While the information on each artist is not extensive, we're given the career highlights showing the importance of their contributions. There are also fun facts about each artist that give the bios a personal feel. The artwork is spectacular and the colors vibrant. I also have to mention the cover. I am not a fan of the dust jackets on all hardcovers these days. I just think they cheapen the look of hardcovers, and I miss the days when the design was on the actual cover. This book has a dust cover, but the exact same artwork is on the cover itself. The quality is exceptional.Of course, we're also given two CDs full of the music discussed in the book. This is the perfect addition, giving life to all the music on the pages.

I'm 22-years-old with five nieces ten and under. They've always looked up to me, and over the past couple of years, I've introduced them to The Beatles and some other artists, but with the limited time I get with them, this book makes it SO much easier!It's helpful not just for learning about these great music legends, but also provides a window to history lessons, as well. There are many mentions of civil justice, the women's movement, etc. - all great things for young children to learn about as they grow up and develop into their own people with their own ideas and morals.What's probably the most fun is when the child recognizes a song name - from a movie, TV show, etc that they've seen - and get excited about learning who actually sang the song. This happened with me tonight when my niece saw "Johnny B Goode", and then later when I told her that Carole King sings the theme song for Gilmore Girls - a show that she has watched several times with me.Overall, the book is smart, informational, and has great illustrations, as well. The colorful designs, images, and layout will hook your children and become a great experience for your family!

The contents of this book is undoubtable great - but the size of the book is very unhandy.Still very much worth the money

Very impressed with this book. I bought it for a present and it is excellent. Highly recommend it to all.

This is a fantastic way for children to learn about great music. The book is well written and full of interesting stories of music legends and their rise to fame. The accompanying CD is a joy! Thoroughly recommended.

Fab book with 2 superb cd's - recommended 5*****

I ordered this book to share with my grandchildren as a bit of a history lesson and to provide some fun for our rhythm band that we get into when we are together. For the most part, I was pleased with the music choices and especially the illustrations which are really beautifully done. What disappoints me is the poor quality of the binding which cracked upon the first opening. I can see that this book will be falling apart soon. It deserved better.