Squeeze This!: A Cultural History of the Accordion in America

More about the book

The accordion's journey in America reflects its unique cultural significance and transformation throughout the twentieth century. Marion Jacobson, an ethnomusicologist, examines its rise from European vaudeville to mainstream popularity, highlighting key moments like the 1930s craze and its peak in the 1950s. The book delves into the instrument's dual identity as both an outsider and a pop music staple, featuring interviews and archival research that illustrate its role in community identity and diverse musical environments. Richly illustrated, it showcases the accordion's vibrant cultural legacy.