This well-researched history of the blues and its connection to nineteenth-century Louisiana reveals that the popular music genre was not invented on plantations in rural Mississippi, as is often reported. The author, a Grammy-winning blues artist, says that it was an outgrowth of a well-established Black classical music culture in New Orleans, one that was systematically destroyed by Europeans who were threatened by the achievements of people they thought were inferior. Narrator Adam Lazarre-White has a wonderful vocal tone but narrates too slowly and with unnatural-sounding pauses between phrases. This drawn-out pacing is tolerable because the story is so compelling, but it often makes it harder to keep track of the ideas in complex sentences. Riveting to hear, nonetheless, this is a stunning history of how Europeans suppressed opportunities for Black people in a growing country.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2021
Duration: 24 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781662088391
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.
Bradshaw's football career ended in the 1980s, and these days he's probably most widely known for his ubiquitous cultural presence in movies, commercials, and reality television. Bradshaw takes a long and detailed look back at his consequential life decisions. He's a gifted narrator and storyteller, the kind of guy who can instantly build rapport with his audience. It's no surprise this audiobook is entertaining and occasionally moving. As Bradshaw reflects on the characters he's played over the years, essentially simple variations of himself, his voice reflects a self-effacing humility. Bradshaw has been able to build his extended second career with this warm approachability.
An entertaining memoir by a true all-American of popular culture.Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 51 mins
DD ISBN: 9781400260294
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.
Listeners will find a subtle combination of candor and discretion in this career-spanning memoir. Actor and producer Douglas faces the shadow of his father, Kirk Douglas, head-on. His narration is intimate and charming, and he warmly exhibits his skills as a fine actor, first entertaining, then informing. Parts of the performance sound like Douglas’ speech has been affected by his mouth cancer, which is now in remission. However, most sections are articulated clearly. Behind-the-scenes Hollywood insights abound, and it’s all here, including his partnership with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. Ultimately, we find a family man who had both abundant luck and talent.
A must-listen, especially for anyone who enjoys film, television, and the creative process.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668658505
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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