At a time when Acid Rock and Heavy Metal dominated popular music The Band rebelled against the rebellion with a masterful mix of tight ensemble arrangements great vocals highly literate lyricism and a respect for the musical traditions of the American South. Comprising Canadians Robbie Robertson Rick Danko Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson and Arkansasborn Levon Helm The Band sparked a new appreciation for Americaamprsquos musical roots fusing RampampB jump blues country folk boogiewoogie swing Cajun New Orleansstyle jazz and rock and setting the foundations for the Americana craze that would take hold 30 years later. The Band Pioneers of Americana Music explores the diverse influences on the quintetamprsquos music and the impact that their music had in turn on contemporary music and American society. Through previously unpublished interviews with Robbie Robertson Eric Andersen Pete Seeger and the late Rick Danko as well as numerous other sources Craig Harris surveys The Bandamprsquos musical journey from sidemen for among others Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan to rock legends in their own right. The book touches on the evolution of rock and roll the electrifying of folk music unionism and Civil Rights Movement the growth of Americaamprsquos musical roots changes in radio formatting changing perceptions of the American south and the commercializing of the counterculture as well as drug dependency alcoholism suicide greed and the struggle against cancer. Harris takes readers through The Bandamprsquos albums from Music from Big Pink and The Band to their final releases and solo recordings as well as their historic appearances at Woodstock Isle of Wight with Dylan Watkins Glen with the Allman Brothers Band and the Grateful Dead and the Last Waltz with an allstar cast and participation in the Festival Express. This biography is a musthave publication not only for fans but also for anyone interested in music history. Craig Harris sets the record straight as he shares the stor