Southern History Remixed

“In this robust, clear, and pathbreaking volume, Bertrand skillfully weaves his study of history, pop culture, regionalism, race, and politics.”—Randall J. Stephens, author of The Devil’s Music: How Christians Inspired, Condemned, and Embraced Rock ’n’ Roll

“An incredibly unique and engaging book. Bertrand deftly shows how popular music has consistently been used to give voice to both Black and white southerners as they navigated the intricacies of racial politics in a rapidly changing industrial South. A beautifully written necessity for all scholars and students who focus on popular music, civil rights struggles, and southern culture.”—Beth Fowler, author of Rock and Roll, Desegregation Movements, and Racism in the Post-Civil Rights Era: An “Integrated Effort”

“By retelling familiar stories and uncovering new ones, Southern History Remixed synthesizes southern music history and issues a call to arms for scholars to take the music as seriously as the historical actors took it.”—Journal of Southern History

“Southern History Remixed takes on the formidable task of reconciling race relations in the American South through the course of emerging poplar music styles that eventually led to the rock ’n’ roll era. . . . Highly recommended.”—Choice

“As Michael Bertrand continuously demonstrates in his fascinating new book, Southern History Remixed, popular music shaped how Southerners, Black and white, understood and engaged with one another. Music could both unite and divide.”—Nashville Scene