Joseph Vogel Book order

Delving into the cultural significance of the 1980s, this book explores the influences behind the hit series, including its homage to iconic films and music. It examines key elements like the parallels to E.T., the impact of The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go," and the role of Dungeons & Dragons. Additionally, it highlights various '80s artifacts, from arcades to popular trends, creating a rich tapestry of nostalgia. This insightful companion offers a deeper understanding of both the show and the era that shaped it.

By the 1980s, critics and the public alike considered James Baldwin irrelevant. Yet Baldwin remained an important, prolific writer until his death in 1987. Indeed, his work throughout the decade pushed him into new areas, in particular an expanded interest in the social and psychological consequences of popular culture and mass media. Joseph Vogel offers the first in-depth look at Baldwin's dynamic final decade of work. Delving into the writer's creative endeavors, crucial essays and articles, and the impassioned polemic The Evidence of Things Not Seen, Vogel finds Baldwin as prescient and fearless as ever. Baldwin's sustained grappling with "the great transforming energy" of mass culture revealed his gifts for media and cultural criticism. It also brought him into the fray on issues ranging from the Reagan-era culture wars to the New South, from the deterioration of inner cities to the disproportionate incarceration of black youth, and from pop culture gender-bending to the evolving women's and gay rights movements. Astute and compelling, revives and redeems the final act of a great American writer.

What were Prince's politics? What did he believe about God? And did he really forsake the subject-sex-that once made him the most subversive superstar of the Reagan era? In this illuminating thematic biography, Joseph Vogel explores the issues that made Prince one of the late 20th century's most unique, controversial, and fascinating artists. Since his unexpected death in 2016, Prince has been recognized by peers, critics, and music fans alike. President Barack Obama described him as �one of the most gifted and prolific musicians of our time.� Yet in spite of the influx of attention, much about Prince's creative life, work, and cultural impact remains thinly examined. This Thing Called Life fills this vacuum, delving deep into seven key topics-politics, sound, race, gender, sex, religion, and death-that allow us to see Prince in fresh, invigorating new ways. Accessible and timely, This Thing Called Life takes the reader on a journey through the catalog and creative revolution of one of America's most compelling and elusive icons.

Before Michael Jackson, white rock dominated radio, MTV and print media, black artists were relegated to second-class categories, and "pop" was a euphemism for "bubblegum" fluff. After Michael Jackson, pop became the umbrella term for all of popular music - and the artist made sure he was coronated its king. In this new collection, critically-acclaimed author Joseph Vogel (Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson) gathers together some of his most provocative and challenging work on the enigmatic icon. Featuring twenty original pieces, this fascinating mosaic explores a wide range of subject matter: from behind-the-scenes histories of Jackson's songs, to his cinematic ambitions, to his rivalry with Prince, to the ways in which he expanded the possibilities of pop.

Released in 1995, Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" was unlike anything heard before in popular music. Protest songs had long been part of the heritage of rock - but not like this. "Earth Song's" vision was more panoramic, its roots more primal. Its unusual fusion of blues, opera, rock, and gospel resembled nothing on the radio. A massive hit globally, it wasn't even offered as a single in the United States. Most critics didn't know what to make of it. Yet decades later, it stands as one of Jackson's greatest artistic achievements. In this groundbreaking book, Joseph Vogel traces the song's evolution, from its inception in Vienna in 1988, to its long gestation in the recording studio, to Jackson's final rehearsal in 2009. Situating the song within the historical context of the Reagan, Bush and Clinton eras, the book also explores the artist's broader humanitarian efforts, from his participation in USA for Africa to his Heal the World Foundation. Based on original research, including interviews with the song's key participants, Earth Song: Michael Jackson and the Art of Compassion offers a necessary reassessment of this powerful anthem and Jackson's audacious efforts to change the world.

In this slim new collection, critically-acclaimed author and journalist Joseph Vogel gathers together some of his most informative and provocative pieces on the late King of Pop. Featuring ten articles and a previously unpublished bonus chapter, this fascinating mosaic explores a wide range of subject matter: from the impact of race on Jackson’s career, to the ways he challenged and expanded the definition of “pop,” to behind-the-scenes histories of his songs. Based on original research and personal interviews with the singer’s close collaborators, Featuring Michael Jackson is a book no fan or music history buff will want to be without.

Analyzes every song and album of Jackson's solo career, from 1979's groundbreaking "Off the Wall" to his yet-to-be released material, placing the music in its social, historical, and cultural context.