How Sweet the Sound Audiobook

Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this celebration of the history of Black music in America by the award-winning author of The Undefeated.

Listen to the sound of survival, courage, and democracy—the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday's raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong’s trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

Come dance to Kwame Alexander’s melodious narrative of the history of Black music in America.

The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history about the music and musicians.

 

Download and start listening now!

“Every second of this dynamic production—from the bouncing notes of the opening theme to the last snapped finger—creates a musical soundscape. Narrator Karen Murray’s sweet and steady tones guide the listener through a history of Black music told in rolling lines of poetry…Background accompaniment changes with each verse to reflect the topic. Instruments and vocals intertwine and dance together while keeping the narration front and center…Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”

— AudioFile