Milwaukee Rock and Roll, 1950-2000: A Reflective History

From the beginning of Milwaukee rock in the 1950s to the turn of the century, this fascinating anthology of written, vocal, and visual reflections, will inform readers and evoke memories for those who experienced the music and the era. The editors present an enthralling, generously illustrated, multifaceted cultural history of Milwaukee and rock music highlighted by a multiplicity of voices— musicians, promoters, DJs, photographers, artists, and audience members—collectively committed to the sounds of a great city.
Milwaukee Rock and Roll, 1950-2000: A Reflective History surveys and celebrates a rich musical heritage. It does not claim to be a definitive account of Milwaukee rock, but it offers an important narrative—a foundation for further study and appreciation. This book is an anthology of written, vocal, and visual reflections, which will inform readers and evoke memories for those who experienced this music and era. It includes, among so many other performers, Milwaukee rock pioneers Sam McCue, Artie Herrera, and Larry Lynne; truck driver folk great Larry Penn; impresario Nick Topping; rhythm and blues standout Junior Brantley and soul man Harvey Scales; 60s bands like the Ricochettes, Shag, and the Corporation; bluesmen Jim Liban and Jon Paris; “girl rockers” epitomized by the G.T.O.’s and Ruby Starr; punks like the Haskels, the Oil Tasters, and Die Kreuzen; the internationally renowned punk/indie Violent Femmes; and prog rocker (among his other impressive musical talents) Sigmund Snopek III. Others are also referenced including Buddy Holly; Pete Seeger; Jean Ritchie, Bob Dylan; the Dave Clark Five; the Beatles; Cream; Led Zeppelin; the Grateful Dead; Chuck Berry; Muddy Waters; Lou Reed; Bruce Springsteen; and Patti Smith. The editors present a multifaceted cultural history of Milwaukee and rock music highlighted by a multiplicity of voices—musicians, promoters, DJs, photographers, artists, and audience members—collectively committed to the sounds of a great city.