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.
Overrun
The ease of downloading content via WiFi, WebDAV, and more has made ListenBook my audiobook hub. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives.
Amphibi-Dangerous
I love how this app makes my daily commute a journey through literature. ๐๏ธ Soaking up the sun with an audiobook by my side โ beach days just got better! ๐๏ธ๐ Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality. The app is so reliable. Iโve never had any issues with it.
Miss Twilight
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features.
Cupid Dust
The noise reduction feature on ListenBook Pro is a godsend for clear and comfortable listening. ๐ฑ Carrying my library in my pocket โ this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ๐๐ ๐ Elevating everyday moments โ this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. ๐โจ ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Bones
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library โ this app's design is commendable. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's an essential tool that enhances every listening session. ListenBookโs interface is beautiful and functional. Itโs my favorite app for audiobooks. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Clover Dragon
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling โ all thanks to this app. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Wanted Candy
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. ListenBook has made my daily commutes enjoyable. No more boredom!
Wrangler Jim
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights โ it's a true audio marvel. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sleepwalker
The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient โ no more complicated processes. ๐ฑ An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality โ audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ๐๐
Vicious Street
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. โฐ Maximizing my time with efficient features โ this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. ๐โณ Streamlining my audiobook journey โ this app's design is top-notch. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Video Game Heroine
This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Toolmaker
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ๐ฑ An entire library at my fingertips โ this app is a book lover's dream come true! ๐๐ ListenBook has become my constant companion. It's like having a personal audiobook assistant.
Honey
I'm amazed by how this app effortlessly turns my daily routines into enjoyable learning sessions. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch.
Wooden German
The variety of narrators adds a unique touch to each book, making every experience special. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks.
Tweety
๐ผ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories โ a true work-life balance! ๐ป๐ ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Curio
Audiobooks have brought a new level of enjoyment to my daily workout routine. This app has ignited my passion for reading once again โ but in a modern, convenient way. I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization.
Vixen
๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ Strolling through captivating narratives has never been easier โ this app's intuitive controls make audiobook listening a delight. ๐ง๐๏ธ I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Emerald Vine
๐โโ๏ธ๐ Experiencing stories while staying active โ this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. ๐ง๐๏ธ Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks.
Frosty Squid
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless.
Criss Cross
I've been recommending this app to all my friends โ it's a true game-changer. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users.
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