Before Elvis by Larry Burnbaum

Dean Matzen asks what my favourite three books are, and the music I've covered so far. The book that has been of most value in terms of sheer information density is Before Elvis by Larry Burnbaum. He must reference at a very conservative estimate, 5,000 different recordings. If you're willing to put that time in, the book will reward you with a truly comprehensive understanding of American popular music of the period up to 1954.