A Service of UA Little Rock
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Profiles From The Arkansas Literary Festival: Ian S. Port

Ian S. Port’s first full-length book is electrifying!

The Birth of Loud tells the story of the invention of the “loud” electric guitar by two rivals, guitarist Les Paul, and music engineer Leo Fender. Through the jangle and buzz of the story of dueling strings comes a much larger story about how these guitars shaped a musical revolution. Port’s many years refining his craft as an award-winning music journalist shine through this gripping pop history.

As Port says, “Rock and roll is a lot more diverse and radical than 4 skinny white guys in a band! Yes, there were the skinny white guys, but then there was also Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters and so many others.

Port’s book finds its genius in lively, vivid writing that thrusts you straight into a past you can touch, hear, and taste, with dusty backyards, greasy food, and hormones aplenty.

You can hear more from Port at this year’s Arkansas Literary Festival.

Related Content