Baby Boomer Rock 'n' Roll Fans

In this interesting evaluation of the role rock ‘n’ roll music plays in the lives of the baby boomer generation, defined broadly as those (Americans?) born between 1945 and 1964, sociologist Kotarba’s essential aim is to demonstrate that rock music is as important to the personal and social identity of adults from this period as it is to today’s “youth” culture, which is more often the focus of examinations of rock and popular music study. Certainly, his arguments are easily sustained, and often humorously so, which makes for an easy read. The author’s target audience (baby boomers) is the group most likely to relate to the music examples and situations discussed. Younger audiences, however, may feel disconnected with the topics, having yet to experience aspects such as parenting or spiritual awareness as part of their reality. Summing Up: Recommended. * Choice Reviews *

Joseph A. Kotarba is professor of sociology and director of the Center for Social Inquiry at Texas State University-San Marcos. He is the author or editor of seven books, and approximately ninety-five articles and book chapters. He is the 2009 recipient of the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction’s George Herbert Mead Award for Lifetime Achievement and 2010 recipient of the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction’s Mentor’s Excellence Award. His most recent book is The Present and Future of Symbolic Interactionism, coedited with Andrea Salvini and Bryce Merrill.