The Sound of Silence: Musicians and the Birth of Cinematic Music

This chapter examines the essential contribution of live musicians to early cinema, particularly within Black neighborhoods, as they provided the soundtrack for silent films. It discusses the transition to recorded sound in 1927 and the consequential struggles faced by musicians, including a significant recording ban initiated by the American Federation of Musicians in 1942. The chapter highlights the impact of this ban on artists and the music industry, illustrating how musicians creatively adapted during a challenging period while navigating public perceptions and labor rights.