Critical Essay on "Race Music" by Guthrie P. Ramsey Jr.

Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr.'s book Race Music is an intensive study of African American music post World War II. The entire book is profoundly informed by the author's experience as an accomplished musician, a cultural theorist and musical enthusiast. I have found very little to negatively critique about this book, being that it is so well researched and well-organized. The author steers clear of any cryptic language, despite the fact that the book is …

…made it one of the most popular types of music in the twentieth century. Ramsey reiterates most of what I have summarized of this chapter, and actually says things similar to what I have read in Tricia Rose's book without further giving her credit. However, I have no proof of who came up with any of the ideas. Ramsey's final chapter seems lacking, which is upsetting because of how interesting the subject is to me.