Ben Blackwell, “The Blue Series: The Story Behind the Color” (Third Man Books, 2017)

In The Blue Series: The Story Behind the Color (Third Man Books, 2017), Ben Blackwell invites readers behind the scenes for the making of Third Man Records’ 7-inch single Blue Series. Founded in 2009 in Nashville by songwriter, musician, and producer Jack White—formerly of the White Stripes—TMR has released dozens of Blue Series singles by an eclectic group of artists, including Beck, Dwight Yoakam, Wanda Jackson, Stephen Colbert, Insane Clown Posse, and Tom Jones. Beginning with a foreword by Rolling Stone senior writer David Fricke, and an interview with White, Blackwell includes artist accounts, biographical information, and recording credits for 40 7-inch singles. The Blue Series also features an interview with Jo McCaughey who shot the photos for each release, as well as the recollections of some of the songs’ key session players.

Kimberly Mack holds a Ph.D. in English from UCLA, and she is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. Her book, Fade to Black: Blues Music and the Art of Narrative Self-Invention from Bessie Smith to Jack White, is under contract with the University of Massachusetts Press. She is also a music journalist who has written articles and reviews for national and international publications, including Music Connection, Village Voice, Relix, PopMatters, and Hot Press.

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