The Roots Of Popular Music: The Ralph S. Peer Story / Various

Three CD set. The Roots Of Popular Music: The Ralph S. Peer Story takes you on a journey through the life of Ralph S. Peer and the influence he had on the entire music industry. Includes timeless country, blues, jazz, gospel and Latin music tracks. Country music hall of fame member, Ralph Peer was a visionary who designed, molded and cultivated the music industry as we know it today. Peer is credited with both making the first country music recording and coining the quot;country musicquot; term, as well as recording the first album aimed at the African-American market (Mamie Smith's Crazy Blues). Peer, a producer, engineer, and talent scout, was a key player in the popularization of country, blues, jazz, gospel and Latin music. This box set is separated into three acts: Act One: Regional roots music for underserved audiences, made by members of these audiences themselves. Act Two: Regional roots music is transformed into national pop. Act Three: Bringing roots music to the world. Performances include: Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family, Tito Puente, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Perez Prado, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Marc Anthony, and many more.