Despite the biases that the Grammys reflect, they are still the holy grail of the music world. This first comprehensive look at the Grammys presents 30 years worth of stories from behind the dazzling spectacle, covering all the gossipy fun and giving a fascinating, factual account of how the awards originated. Photos.

In this first book ever written about the making of this classic and beloved film, Ray Morton traces the genesis of Amadeus from the conception of the original idea by Shaffer to the development of the screenplay – which turned the play inside out and made a profound theatrical experience into a dazzling cinematic one. The casting of Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham to play Mozart and Salieri gave two unknowns the roles that every star in the world was desperate to play. Amadeus details the production of the film in then-Communist Czechoslovakia – where the filmmakers were bedeviled by everything from decrepit studios to unpredictable weather to constant surveillance by the Czech secret police – and the creation of the film's glorious music, which features dazzling interpretations of Mozart by Sir Neville Marriner and the legendary Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields orchestra. The book concludes by describing the film's successful release in 1984, which generated wonderful reviews, terrific box office, eight Academy Awards, a best-selling soundtrack that propelled classical music to the top of the pop charts, a 2002 director's cut, and a reputation as one of the greatest and most popular films of all time.

At Silver Leaf Academy, Christa Whitherstone isnt exactly like all the other students. Shes beautiful and rich, yes, but so are a lot of the girls in her group. So what does Christa have that they dont? Royal blood, for one. Christa is the daughter of King William of Les Cerpet, an ancient island nation. Christa knows that being a princess isnt easy, and its about to get a whole lot more complicated. Christa is in love with Daemen, a handsome, hard-working peasant who lives and works on the castle grounds. Unfortunately, her father, King William, will never approve of the match and it appears that he wants her to marry someone else. Despite the kings disapproval, Christa continues to see Daemen, and plots to escape from her fathers domineering clutches. The two star-crossed lovers have little idea of what awaits them, or of just how powerful her father, bent on marrying his daughter to another, can be. With a little manipulation, a bit of blackmail, and some help from a very special friend, Christa is about to make some waves in the royal castle. But those choices might force her down a path she doesnt want to take, and may very well threaten a future with Daemen

In its 114th year, Billboard remains the world's premier weekly music publication and a diverse digital, events, brand, content and data licensing platform. Billboard publishes the most trusted charts and offers unrivaled reporting about the latest music, video, gaming, media, digital and mobile entertainment issues and trends.

"For fans of Mary Beth Keane and Jennifer Egan, this powerful, moving multigenerational saga from National Book Award finalist Martha McPhee-ten years in the making-explores one family's story against the sweep of 20th century American history"--

This method explores the most common syncopated rhythms found in jazz and improves coordinated independence and reading skills. Includes sections on snare drum and bass drum independence, drum fills in context, section and ensemble figures, 1-, 2- and 4-bar ensemble figures, and ensemble "shout chorus" solos.

First Published in 2005. The Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound, 2nd edition, is an A to Z reference work covering the entire history of recorded sound from Edison discs to CDs and MP3. Entries range from technical terms (Acoustics; Back Tracking; Quadraphonic) to recording genres (blues, opera, spoken word) to histories of industry leaders and record labels to famed recording artists (focusing on their impact on recorded sound). Entries range in length from 25-word definitions of terms to 5000 word essays. Drawing on a panel of experts, the general editor has pulled together a wealth of information. The volume concludes with a complete reference bibliography and a deep index.

In addition to the nuts-and-bolts details of topics such as each drum and its parts, tuning techniques, and the steps for changing a drumhead, you'll learn how to choose between the various types of heads, cymbals, and drumsticks to get just the sound you want, arrange your drumset in a way that's right for you, and make adjustments and repairs that will keep your equipment in prime condition. 32 pages.