Turn! Turn! Turn!

This book reveals how a diverse blend of styles, regions, and cultures swirled into the folk-rock revolution - infusing popular music with a controversial mix of literate lyricism, social consciousness, and rock 'n' roll rebellion. A richly woven narrative of firsthand stories and informed historical analysis, it covers all the key folk-rock innovators: Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Lovin' Spoonful, Buffalo Springfield, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas & the Papas, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and dozens more, plus lesser-knowns such as Phil Ochs and Jackie DeShannon. Incorporating insights from musicians, producers, managers, club owners, record label executives and others who drove the movement, Turn! Turn! Turn! focuses on the birth and development of the music, but also shows how folk-rock changed popular music, the music industry, and society forever. Setting the scene with America's traditional folk of the early '60s, the book describes the sea change that began in 1964 when the social consciousness of folk met the energy of rock. It concentrates on 1965-66, when the best, most popular, and most controversial folk-rock was created. The book explores the dizzyingly fast cross-fertilization of such giants as the Beatles, the Byrds, and Dylan; the passionate conflicts between folk devotees and folk-rockers; the sudden frenzy of the media; and the unforgettable music that was born. Turn! Turn! Turn! also examines how folk-rock continued to influence late '60s psychedelic rock, country-rock and the British scene, as well as its gradual, partial transformation into the singer-songwriter movement.