Changing Times: Music and Politics in 1964

1964 was when the swinging sixties really began. Youth culture dominated the media and the spirit of optimism was ubiquitous. Yet there were also darker forces at work which proved to be equally significant for the future. Changing Times presents a clear and detailed picture of the many personalities, events and trends that made this year so remarkable. The escalation of the Vietnam War, elections in the USA and the UK, the struggle for civil rights and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela are just some of the topics covered. Author Steve Millward makes the connections between music and politics and links them to the wider world of art, film, fashion, sport, science and technology. He also goes beyond the UK and America, covering developments in Africa and the Caribbean.

Throughout the book, the focus remains upon the music - pop, rock, folk, soul, jazz, classical - which so consistently reached new heights of quality and innovation, the repercussions of which are still being felt today. Steve covers music recorded and released in 1964, as well as earlier recordings which had an impact that year. The most notable instance is The Beatles' 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', recorded in October '63, which spearheaded the band's breakthrough in the USA in 1964. Millward also celebrates the work of lesser-known but hugely influential figures such as Bert Berns, Eric Dolphy and Phil Ochs.

The originality and insight contained in this book will appeal to intelligent readers of all ages and interests, in particular those with an interest in music history and politics. Steve draws inspiration from a number of authors, including Greil Marcus, Peter Guralnick, Susan Douglas, Alex Ross and Jonathon Green.