Let the music speak

Tracking the sounds that changed everything 1945-1950

Let the Music Speak takes you inside a six-year sound revolution, from the ashes of war and depression to the roots of rhythm and blues, modern jazz, gospel, conjunto, and country. Discover the moment-by-moment timeline of rapid progress; don’t just read about the music—experience how it actually happened.

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Tish Hinojosa

Singer-Songwriter Recording Artist

"Music fans and musicologists alike should enjoy this excursion through the music explosion that occurred in the post-WWII years. A fascinating read!"

Floyd Domino

Musician, Asleep at the Wheel, Merle Haggard All-Stars

"Hank Ewert brings to life how American music jumped, boogied and swung its way East/South/North and all the way around the world."

sarah aubrey

head of original content, HBO max

"There is no book that better captures the cross-pollination of the post-war period and its enduring effect on modern music."

"Atlantic Records started out as a tiny jazz label that almost accidentally became a rhythm and blues label. It ended up being bigger than some of the majors because they had great leadership [and] chose great artists."

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