Joe Boyd chats about his new book, Little Richard and more

Producer Joe Boyd's new book And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain traces the origins of popular music which he discusses below.

Here's the scoop...

Legendary producer and record label boss Joe Boyd has spent a lifetime travelling the globe and immersing himself in music. He has witnessed first-hand the growing popularity of music from Africa, India, Latin America, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe since the 1960s and was one of the protagonists of the 'world music' movement of the 1980s. 

In this sweeping history, Boyd sets out to explore the fascinating backstories to these sounds and documents a decade of encounters with the most extraordinary musicians and producers who have altered the course of music for us all. 

And the Roots of Rhythm Remain shows how personalities, events and politics in places such as Havana, Lagos, Budapest, Kingston and Rio are as colourful and momentous as anything that took place in New Orleans, Harlem, Laurel Canyon or Liverpool. And, moreover, how jazz, rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll would never have happened if it weren't for the notes and rhythms emanating from over the horizon. 

"I doubt I'll ever read a better account of the history and sociology of popular music than this one." – Brian Eno

"Profound and beyond." – Robert Plant

"'One only hopes that this will be taught in schools." – Ry Cooder

Joe Boyd's "And The Roots Of Rhythm Remain" will be on shelves in Canada on October 4th. You can pre-order it via Amazon right here but try to get it from your local bookseller instead.