ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HISTORY OF BROADWAY - HOLLYWOOD-SWING -POP MUSIC VOL. 1 - by Harvey Sheldon
This extremely comprehensive history of my book provides information on many aspects of musical theater: from the history of stage and film musicals to reviews and essays on current and past productions; from profiles of New York City venues that have housed musicals to an encouraging guide. The history of Tin Pan Alley to the Brill building of America's greatest pop music ever written from the 20's to the 50's. The history of the Big Band Swing Era and of the Afro Cuban Big Bands. Also find several chapters on unique topics, like " What is a Film Score?," Bio's of all major composers and lyricists. Special Feature sections with in-depth information of important figures and topics in the world of Broadway and Hollywood musicals and from the Big Swing Big Band Era. You will learn about some of the most important musicals ever written. Start with the introduction to musical theater history, which is followed links to musicals from "Show Boat ,"Annie Get Your Gun" through to "The Wizard of Oz." complete with information about the historical relevance of the shows. America at the turn of the 20th century lacking a national culture was to emerge into a revolutionary change brought on from newly arrived immigrants from Russian Jews and Italians with Afro Americans. Radio, records, television, internet,Movies, pop concerts and night clubs did not exist for entertainment. America had only grand opera and imported European performances. Across the country theaters did not exist, only beer halls. The newly arriving Russian Jewish immigrants would build beautiful, lavish palace type theaters in the major cities of America, because America had none. American lives and experiences and seeing the technology of changes, fashions, music ,singing, dancing and the new habits of entertainment for all classes of Americans. The political impact and how this made America better place and influenced the world to their new forms of music...from Broadway musical revues, to musical comedy from Broadway to Hollywood, records, radio, movies and live performances. Coming to America they realized they had new found freedom because of the Free Enterprise- Capitalistic economic system. They were taught that to acquire wealth that "The greatest risk is not taking the risk". They took the risk. The newly arrived Russian Jewish immigrants would create and invent the movie industry. Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, Paramount, Metro Goldwyn and Mayer (MGM), and others. General Sarnoff creating R.C.A. record company and the manufacturing of radio's, and N.B.C. radio network, William S. Paley would create C.B.S. radio network and Columbia record company. All of them, the composers, lyricists, singers, and musicians leading the Big Swing Bands would emerge as millionaires in wealth and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for Americans. All of the movie producers built hundreds of new theaters across America. Later they would create the television industry. This meant that all of America could afford to this new form of music and entertainment, even during the years of the Great Depression. Without the Federal Government intervening, all of this wealth and creations of nearly a million jobs of the confidence and faith in the American Way
To mark the sixth year of the Singles Day Vinyl Series, Urban Outfitters has opened preorders for a new 7' vinyl release of the two new singles. It will be released on November 21.
Rob Rokicki, composer of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, will release a new theatrical rock single titled “Lincoln” on November 14, 2025.
Music stores across the country will host official listening parties to celebrate the release of the soundtrack of Wicked: For Good on November 21, 22 and 23.
Anthony Nunziata has released his debut holiday collection Christmas & You on vinyl, CD, and digital and streaming platforms. The songs were all co-written by Nunziata and some of the top Country and pop hitmakers.
Center Stage Recrods has released Into the Sun: World Premiere Recording in streaming and digital formats. Into the Sun is the new musical drama that features book, music and lyrics by Michael Gubser.
BroadwayWorld has the exclusive first listen to “D.O.A.,” performed by Paisley Billings and company, from the upcoming The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording.
Ghostlight Records will release Deathless: Original Studio Cast Recording – new indie-folk musical by Zack Zadek – featuring Jeremy Jordan and more. BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to the track 'The License Plate Game'.
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will host a special online Listening Party for the new album The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording. The event will be hosted by Max Harwood and Samantha Mbolekwa, joined by their fellow original London cast members.
Known for his stage presence in Rock of Ages Hollywood alongside Frankie Grande and Nick Cordero, Broadway performer and recording artist Ian Ward steps into a new chapter with the release of his latest single, 'Ocean Eyes.' L
Stevie Holland has released the music video for “Talk to Your Tomatoes,” the tile track to her just-released new album. Written by Stevie Holland and Gary William Friedman, the song and video are a swinging, zany, and veggie-gardening loving trip.
The Americas, the 10-part NBC series narrated by Tom Hanks, will arrive on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray on November 18. The release also includes an exclusive bonus feature, taking viewers behind the scenes with an in-depth documentary.
Bloomsbury Methuen Drama published An Alchemy of Living Culture: Collected Writings on Double Edge Theatre, an anthology gathering decades of Stacy Klein's visionary reflections, interviews, speeches, and essays.
With the release of WE LIVE IN CAIRO (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording), The Lazours reflect on the show’s evolution, the collaboration behind the album’s sound, and how their upcoming musicals extend their artistic conversations.
Jackie Burns delivers “Shotgun,” the first single from the upcoming musical Hard Road to Heaven. Now streaming on all platforms, the track blends Broadway drama with an authentic country sound. Listen here!
Award-winning Broadway and jazz vocalist Darius de Haas has released his new holiday album Let Me Carry You This Christmas, now available digitally via Concord Theatricals Recordings.
The original off-Broadway cast recording of “Welcome to The Big Dipper,” staged by The York Theatre Company, is available now! Learn more and listen here!
STEVIE HOLLAND – the acclaimed jazz vocalist and songwriter – returns with her new album Talk to Your Tomatoes, which is currently available on CD and in digital and streaming platforms. Listen here!
CENTER STAGE RECORDS has released We Live in Cairo: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats now. Learn more and listen here!
The new album from Phillip Officer – who originated the role of the “Geek” in the Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated musical Side Show – is out tomorrow. BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first listen to a track here!
Bronco Billy – The Musical, Recorded live in performance during its 2024 run at London’s Charing Cross Theatre, will release an album. BroadwayWorld has an exclusive listen to 'I’m Gonna Be Strong' here.
Amnon Kabatchnik has penned a new in his award-winning reference series. Kabatchnik's latest, Bloody Broadway: Plays of Menace, Murder, and Mystery, Volume I (BearManor Media) is now available.
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will release The Lightning Thief: Original London Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats. Learn more about the recording here!
Joël René Scoville and Jenna Gillespie Byrd have released the concept album for their original musical 2&1: A Harlem Love Story with Loose Morals. Learn more!
CENTER STAGE RECORDS will release We Live in Cairo: Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording in streaming and digital formats this week. Learn more about the album here!
Apollo Publishers will release Making Rent: The Story Behind the Music that Changed Broadway in January. Learn more about the book, and about the author Tim Weil here!
Brainstorm Records has released the new single “I’ll Be Here” – featuring Broadway sensation Julie Benko – from The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul, the new musical by Christie Baugher. Listen here!
Producers Gary Grossman, Bronco Billy Partners, and Yellow Sound Label have announced the upcoming release of Bronco Billy – The Musical (Live Original London Cast Recording), captured during its acclaimed 2024 run at London’s Charing Cross Theatre.
With the holiday season just around the corner, BroadwayWorld caught up with Scott and Mark Hoying to discuss their new children's book Fa La La Family, its accompanying album, Dancing with the Stars, and more.