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.
QuantumQuill
π Igniting my imagination while preparing dinner β this app adds flavor to every meal! π²π π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Digital Equinox
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers.
Frenzy
ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
ChatterChampion
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an essential tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Spunky Sphinx
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ππ§ The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Heartbreaker
Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Toe
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in books through this app. Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight.
Bombay Shivers
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Cereal Killer
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
Thumb Candy
The narrator's voices are so engaging, it's like having a personal storytelling session. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
Taffy Duchess
I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Kitchen
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience.
Divine Quasar
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³
Dewdrop Doll
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
SpellTansy
Discovering new literary worlds has never been this easy. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audiobook library is at my fingertips. ππ I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! This app is perfect for audiobook lovers. The interface is beautiful and easy to navigate. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Steel Cut Toe
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to my listening. π± Turning my phone into a portal of endless stories β this app is pure magic! πβ¨ π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§
Spooky Yellowjacket
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Rusty Vortex
πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Intimidation Station
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight.
StormCake
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
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