The Emancipation of Slaves through Music - by Mathew Knowles Ph D (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In The Emancipation of Slaves Through Music, music mogul Dr. Mathew Knowles presents a keen examination of the liberating effects of music on an oppressed people. By taking readers on the journey of its secret use during slavery up through its eventual commercialization in the industry, he exposes the art form's true power. Between its informative pages, the book explores the uprooting of Africans via the transatlantic slave trade and the evolving effect on the people and their music. We follow the boats where communication went from a loud moan to chants that stirred rebellion, on into acts of escape where a song might just signal a time to flee.The music of those stolen people became a tool and a medicinal balm that usually carried a message of hope through struggle. Chapters delve into songs behind rebellions and 'sorrow songs, ' that lead us to deeper understandings about modern rap and even dancehall 'chanting.' Here, the reader takes a ride on the melodic voices and rhythms seeking freedom for more than physical bodies from chains. The survival of an enslaved people's music through many tumultuous eras has allowed it to re-root into a musical culture like no other in history

About the Author

Author, professor, lecturer, public speaker, entrepreneur, music executive, artist manager and founder of Music World Entertainment (MWE) would be the words used to sum up the professional career of Mathew Knowles, Ph.D. Based out of Houston, MWE is one of the world's leading music and entertainment conglomerates, with record sales exceeding 450 million worldwide, having worked with Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, The O'Jays, Destiny's Child, Solange and Beyoncé, just to name a few. Knowles is a 1974 graduate of Fisk University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was bestowed with the honor of Doctor of Humane Letters from his alma mater at the University's 2008 Commencement Ceremony. Dr. Knowles possesses an MBA in Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Cornerstone Christian Bible College, and has held professorships at Texas Southern University, where he taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses on the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship. He was also a distinguished lecturer at Cornell University, Fisk University and Rice University. He has been a popular keynote speaker and guest lecturer at colleges, universities and various organizations throughout the country. Knowles is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals. His other books include Racism from the Eyes of a Child, which is a personal reflection on racism in America through the lens of his childhood, and his newly released book The Emancipation of Slaves Through Music, where he presents a keen examination of the liberating effects of music on oppressed people.