Mariah Carey's Influence and the Globalization of Black Popular Music

When it comes to Mariah Carey, star power is never in doubt. She has sold hundreds of millions of albums and cut more chart-topping hits than any other solo artist—ever. And she has that extraordinary five-octave vocal range. But there is more to her legacy than eye-popping numbers.

Why Mariah Carey Matters examines the creative evolution and complicated biography of a true diva, making the case that, despite her celebrity, Carey’s musicianship and influence are insufficiently appreciated. A pioneering songwriter and producer, Carey pairs her vocal gifts with intimate lyrics and richly layered sonic details. In the mid-1990s, she perfected a blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B with songs such as “Fantasy” and “Honey” and drew from her turbulent life to create the introspective masterpiece Butterfly.

Andrew Chan looks beyond Carey’s glamorous persona to explore her experience as a mixed-race woman in show business, her adventurous forays into house music and gospel, and her appeal to multiple generations of queer audiences. He also reckons with the transcendent ideal of the voice that Carey represents, showing how this international icon taught artists around the world to sing with soul-shaking intensity and a spirit of innovation

Andrew Chan writes regularly about music, film, and books for 4Columns. His work has also been published by the Criterion Collection, Film Comment, NPR, the New Yorker, and Reverse Shot.

Here are some of the topics Andrew and Mark discuss about his book, "Why Mariah Carey Matters":

1.    What attracted and compelled you to delve into the creative evolution and legacy of Mariah Carey, highlighting her musicianship and influence?

2. Mariah Carey's vocal range and powerful performances have captivated audiences worldwide. In your book, you discuss how she taught artists to sing with soul-shaking intensity. Could you elaborate on the impact she has had on the music industry and her contributions as a vocal pioneer?

3. The book also explores Mariah Carey's experience as a mixed-race woman in the entertainment industry. How does her identity and background influence her music and shape her connection with diverse audiences?

4. "Why Mariah Carey Matters" delves into her adventurous forays into different music genres, such as house and gospel. How did these explorations contribute to her growth as an artist, and what unique elements did she bring to each genre? Can you share with us some of the lesser-known aspects of her artistry that you uncovered during your research?

5. Carey's personal life and struggles have often been under scrutiny. How did her turbulent experiences, as portrayed in songs like "Butterfly," influence her songwriting and connect with her listeners on a deeper level?

6. Mariah Carey's fanbase spans multiple generations and includes a significant LGBTQ+ following. Can you discuss how she appeals to such diverse audiences, and what do you believe makes her a timeless icon in the music industry?

In the second part of the interview, Andrew helps unravel the complexities and insights in writing and publishing:

1.    Part of Music Matters series – special considerations, extra pressure?

2.    References – rigor and craftsmanship?

3.    Collaboration – support and mentorship?

Thanks to University of Texas Press for support of this episode.

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