Music Wars

This study examines the mid-twentieth-century evolution of popular music into a cultural movement in the United States. The author argues that a series of disputes in the music industry led to the assertion of music’s place in promoting core national values.

John C. Hajduk is professor of history at the University of Montana Western.

Chapter 1: "The Music Goes Round and Round": The Music Industry in 1940 Chapter 2: "There'll Be Some Changes Made": The ASCAP/Radio Feud Chapter 3: "Federation Blues": The American Federation of Musicians' Battle: Against Canned Music Chapter 4: "Ballad for Americans": The Red Scare and the Music Industry Chapter 5: "Yakety Yak, Don't Talk Back": The Battle Against Rock and Roll Chapter 6: "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash": The Payola Scandal Conclusion: "Rock'n Roll Is Here to Stay"