The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music: From Rock, Pop, Jazz, Blues and Hip Hop to Classical, Country, Folk, World and More

Rock, country, classical, hip hop, folk, world, dance—virtually every combination thereof and every major player therein—will be found within the pages of the most authoritative, informative, and entertaining guide to music ever published.



Genres Covered:




• Rock

• Pop

• Classical

• Jazz

• Blues

• Gospel

• Soul

• R&B

• Reggae

• Hip Hop

• World

• Dance

• Movie Soundtracks

• Musical Theater

• Electronic

• New Age

• Folk



More than 12,000 musicians, performers, composers, and songwriters—along with 800 colorful illustrations of artists, instruments, and album covers—fill the pages of a guide that is without equal in its substance and scope. Organized by genre, The Billboard Illustrated Encyclopedia of Music offers concise introductions to each music form, presents a four-bar sample of its style, and provides biographies and discographies of key performers.


This invaluable reference also contains three appendices: an instrument glossary, an extensive bibliography, and a primer on the basics of reading music. No other book on the market covers more genres, includes more artists, and packs more information between its covers. It’s the ultimate guide for every music fan!






• Unparalleled in scope and substance

• Written and edited by
a distinguished team
of musicologists, musicians, and music aficionados, including
Stanley Sadie

• Organized by genre,
with comprehensive appendices and cross-references

• Ultimate music guide
for every family