James Sullivan is the author of five books, with subjects ranging from the comedian George Carlin and the performer James Brown to high school football and a cultural history of blue jeans. He is a longtime contributor to the Boston Globe and a former staff critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, and he has written for Rolling Stone, the Atlantic and many other publications. He lives with his wife and three sons in Massachusetts.
Journalist James Sullivan has compiled a fascinating history of protest songs in the US. ... In each chapter, Sullivan offers a detailed discussion of the historical contexts of the topic and the songs that topic generated. The titles of the 100 featured songs are printed in boldface, but they are scattered among scores of songs along with their authors and the performers who dealt with the same themes. Sullivan draws on a wide range of sources -- these are listed in the notes and bibliography. Summing up: Recommended -- CHOICE James Sullivan writes an intriguing and broad history of events that include protest songs.... For the general public desiring to learn about music and movements, this is a great overview. It is an interesting read that follows the historical content of protest songs across the years. The book might also be helpful for graduate students researching a specific song, artist, or theme. -- Bonnie L. Finn, Music Reference Services Quarterly Sullivan's fluid prose and attention to detail serve him admirably in this engaging title, which should awaken nostalgia in those of a certain age and introduce new generations to these musical catalysts for social change. - Library Journal