Gr 5–9—Music lovers and history buffs will find this wonderful compilation both informative and fascinating. Reading about the individuals behind the creation and development of instruments used and heard in performances today helps bring a new understanding to the significance and impact each one has made on the world of music. Beginning with the story behind the clashing cymbals of Turkish creator Avedis Zildjian, and continuing with the Steinway brothers' prestigious pianos, C. G. Conn's brass horns, Martin guitars, Ludwig drums, Hammond's electric organs, Fender electric guitars, and Bob Moog's synthesizers, the text chronicles major events in the lives of the creators and successfully conveys the determination, persistence, and perseverance that made their contributions great. Connections to many famous performers and artists of the past and present add to the book's appeal. It is written in an easy-to-read style and filled with copious historical photos and drawings, including many of famous performers.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

This absorbing history examines the lives and work of eight innovators in the design and manufacture of musical instruments. From Avedis Zildjian, who brought his family's centuries-old cymbal-making business from Turkey to Boston, to Robert Moog, whose electronic synthesizer rocked the music world, VanHecke's portraits celebrate the inquisitive scientific tinkering, dedication to craft and business moxie that rendered Steinway pianos, Hammond organs and Fender guitars both household names and performers' favorites. The writing's freshest when VanHecke changes it up with bits of cultural trivia, like Beatles lore. (It's dullest when awash in the minutiae of cousins, marriages and succession.) Examining the effect of the Great Depression, the World Wars and immigration on these family businesses vibrantly contextualizes those issues for kids. Numerous well-captioned photos and period illustrations, sidebars and clearly labeled diagrams of the musical instruments expertly extend the text. Students and teachers of music are the natural audience for this unique treatment. (introduction, endnote, quotation sources, bibliographies, websites, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)