45 RPM

"Employing over 80 illustrations - many in full color - Jim Dawson and Steve Propes trace the 7-inch single's origins back to the 1880s, and they explain the personality conflicts that led an eccentric, powerful genius to develop the 45 into one of postwar America's most popular consumer products. They explore how the jukebox, the autonomous disc jockey, and payola and artist rip-offs kept the 45 at the forefront of rock 'n' roll for 20 years. For collectors and trivia hounds, there are also chapters on the most valuable (and legendary) 45s of all time, as well as the oddities, oddballs, and freak hits that make listening to 45s so much fun. All in all, 45 RPM is a breezy and informative romp through a time when music rocked our world."--Jacket.