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.
Force
The ListenBook app has enriched my daily life, adding a layer of intellectual and emotional fulfillment. If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ
Raid Bucker
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort.
Scuffs
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
CodeExia
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
CuriousCoder
Audiobooks have made my morning routine something to look forward to. ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. πΆββοΈπ Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon β this app is my relaxation buddy! ποΈπ§ I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Mental Prophet
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. ππ
Noise Toy
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
GiddeeUP
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
DuckDuck
ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Babe
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. This app's support for various formats has made my audiobook collection even more diverse and exciting. This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling.
Cricket
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime β I'm truly grateful. I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app β it's a constant source of joy. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me!
Spunky Chick
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! πΆββοΈπ§ Strolling through captivating narratives while I take my daily walks β pure bliss! ποΈπ My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Barbera Shift
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to connect with fellow book lovers. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Looping playback helps me revise and memorize complex topics effectively. A study essential!
Feral Mayhem
ListenBook's drag and drop downloads from web browsers are a time-saving feature I can't live without. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back! The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
McDreamy
This app has transformed my daily walks into exciting literary adventures. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis.
NexusNomad
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session.
Pixie Soldier
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. πββοΈπ Running with purpose β this app keeps my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals! πββοΈπ The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Lady Pomegranate
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings.
57 Pixels
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation.
Breezy Mustang
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. I'm blown away by the powerful audio downloading options. So versatile! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
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