From John Philip Sousa to Green Day, from Scott Joplin to Kanye West, from Stephen Foster to Coldplay, The Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings covers the vast scope of its subject with virtually unprecedented breadth and depth. Approximately 1,000 key song recordings from 1889 to the present are explored in full, unveiling the stories behind the songs, the recordings, the performers, and the songwriters.

Table of Contents

• Abbreviations
• Criteria for Song Selection
• Introduction
• Playlist 1: Crazy Blues, 1906–2004
• Playlist 2: Down Home Rag, 1897–2005
• Playlist 3: Sitting on Top of the World, 1890–2011
• Playlist 4: Good Rockin’ Tonight, 1904–2005
• Playlist 5: Jazznocracy, 1897–2010
• Playlist 6: Hot Time in the Old Town, 1893–2008
• Playlist 7: Fascinating Rhythm, 1891–2008
• Playlist 8: Let the Good Times Roll, 1895–2011
• Playlist 9: Wasn't That a Time? 1895–2006
• Playlist 10: Memories of You, 1889–2012
• Bibliography