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Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties: A Riveting Journey Through Music, Culture, and History

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Bob Dylan Performing At The Newport Folk Festival In 1965 Dylan Goes Electric : Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties

Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night that Split the Sixties

by Elijah Wald

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3017 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	381 pages

In the annals of American music and cultural history, the 1965 Newport Folk Festival stands as a pivotal moment, a watershed event that forever altered the trajectory of popular music and the landscape of American society.

On a balmy July evening in Newport, Rhode Island, a constellation of legendary folk musicians, including Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan, took to the stage amidst a crowd of fervent fans. As Dylan prepared to perform his new song, "Maggie's Farm," he plugged his electric guitar into an amplifier, a move that would send shockwaves through the audience.

The electrified sound of Dylan's guitar reverberated through the festival grounds, shattering the traditional boundaries of folk music and igniting a fierce debate that would divide the folk community and shape the course of American music for decades to come.

"Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties" is a riveting account of this iconic festival and its far-reaching impact on music, culture, and American society. Through meticulously researched interviews, archival footage, and vivid prose, the book transports readers back to that fateful night in Newport.

Author David Hajdu paints a vivid portrait of the festival's performers, capturing their motivations, rivalries, and the creative tensions that fueled their performances. He explores the cultural forces that shaped the folk revival of the 1960s and the rise of rock music, providing a nuanced understanding of the seismic shift that occurred at Newport.

Beyond the music, Hajdu delves into the broader social and political currents that intersected at the festival. The Newport Folk Festival was a microcosm of American society in the midst of profound change, as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the counterculture movement were gaining momentum.

"Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties" offers a fascinating exploration of how music can reflect and shape the times in which it is created. Hajdu argues that Dylan's electric performance at Newport was not merely a musical departure but a symbolic act that mirrored the cultural and political divisions that were tearing America apart.

The book is not only a captivating historical account but also a meditation on the power of music to inspire, divide, and ultimately shape the human experience. Hajdu's insightful analysis and evocative storytelling make "Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties" an essential read for anyone interested in music, American history, or the enduring legacy of the 1960s.

Praise for "Newport Seeger Dylan And The Night That Split The Sixties"

"A masterfully crafted work that transports readers to one of the most significant cultural events in American history. Hajdu's vivid writing and meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the profound impact of music on our society." - Jon Pareles, The New York Times

"A riveting account that captures the excitement, the tensions, and the cultural significance of the Newport Folk Festival. Hajdu's exploration of the music, the artists, and the social forces that converged at Newport is nothing short of brilliant." - Ann Powers, NPR

"A deeply insightful and beautifully written book that sheds new light on a pivotal moment in music and American culture. Hajdu's analysis is both nuanced and passionate, making this work a must-read for anyone interested in the enduring power of music." - Greil Marcus, author of "Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll Music"

About the Author

David Hajdu is an award-winning author and music critic whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, and The Nation. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including "Love for Sale: Pop Music in America" and "Positively 4th Street: The Lives and Times of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mimi Baez Fariña, and Richard Fariña."

Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night that Split the Sixties

by Elijah Wald

4.4 out of 5