April 29, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — David Gellman, associate professor of history at DePauw University and interim chair of the department, contributes an essay to the new book, Bruce Springsteen and the American Soul:
Essays on the Songs and Influence of a Cultural Icon. Edited by David Garrett Izzo, the title is published by McFarland. Dr. Gellman authored the chapter, "Going Nowhere: Bruce, the Beatles, Neil Young, Talking Heads and Others."
"For 40 years Bruce Springsteen has been making music on his way to becoming an icon, the conscience of rock ’n’ roll, and one of the greatest live performers
of his generation," notes the publisher's synopsis. "This critical work examines the man, his music, the cultural importance of his narrative songs and the singular experience of his live performances. Particular attention is paid to his political consciousness, including his alignment with the working poor, the unemployed, and Americans simply down on their luck. It also explores his role in politics in America, especially his endorsement of various politicians."
Order the book at the publisher's website or Amazon.com.
David N. Gellman is author of Emancipating New York: The Politics of Slavery and Freedom, 1777-1827 and co-editor of Jim Crow New York: A Documentary History of Race and Citizenship, 1777-1877.
Learn more about the professor in this previous article.