Book description
American pop music is arguably this country's greatest cultural contribution to the world, and its singular voice and virtuosity were created by a shining thread of Black women geniuses stretching back to the country's founding. This is their surprising, heartbreaking, soaring story--from "one of the generation's greatest, most insightful, most nuanced writers in pop culture" (Shea Serrano) "Sparkling . . . the overdue singing of a Black girl's song, with perfect pitch . . . delicious to read."--Oprah DailyONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, The Root, Variety, Esquire, The Guardian, Newsweek, Pitchfork, She Reads, Publishers Weekly SHORTLISTED FOR THE PORCHLIGHT BUSINESS BOOK AWARD A weave of biography, criticism, and memoir, Shine Bright is Danyel Smith's intimate history of Black women's music as the foundational story of American pop. Smith has been writing this history for more than five years. But as a music fan, and then as an essayist, editor (Vibe, Billboard), and podcast host (Black Girl Songbook), she has been living this history since she was a latchkey kid listening to "Midnight Train to Georgia" on the family stereo. Smith's detailed narrative begins with Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman who sang her poems, and continues through the stories of Mahalia Jackson, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Mariah Carey, as well as the under-considered careers of Marilyn McCoo, Deniece Williams, and Jody Watley. Shine Bright is an overdue paean to musical masters whose true stories and genius have been hidden in plain sight--and the book Danyel Smith was born to write.
Genghis Glyph
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ ListenBookโs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Kill Switch
Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just rightโnot too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Whip Chu
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Navigating my audiobook library is a breeze โ thank you, app developers! ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection.
ThoughtTraveler
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere โ this app's functionality is a reader's delight. Automatic metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is finally well-organized.
Firedog
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
Suicide Jockey
๐โโ๏ธ๐ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. ๐โโ๏ธ๐ ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
London Fox
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Gold Bentley
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Badger the Burglar
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is โ it's like being inside the story. Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. Audiobooks made convenient โ this app's functionality is impressive. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Corny
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres โ there's something for everyone. Streamlining my audiobook journey โ this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
42nd Street
Enhancing my daily routines โ this app's design makes listening a joy. ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch.
Blade
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I can't imagine a day without this app โ it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Troubled Pie
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
The Final Judgement
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly โ it's a game-changer. ๐ Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks โ this app turns errands into epic quests! ๐๐ Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Alley Cat
The app's compatibility with various sources for audio download is a true time-saver. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
EchoEnigma
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Highly engaging! The combination of a well-written story and skilled narration made this audiobook hard to pause. I finished it much faster than I expected because I just couldnโt stop listening.
AirportHobo XD
๐ Making every moment count โ this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ๐๐ซ The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature! ListenBookโs playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Sherm
The family subscription option is a money-saver โ everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. ๐ Transforming laundry time into a journey through fantastic stories โ thank you, this app! ๐๐ Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ๐๐ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. ListenBookโs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Barbwire
I used to struggle to find time for books โ now, I listen while doing chores! Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time.
Black Walnut
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. It transforms the way I enjoy my recordings.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience