RBmedia, the largest audiobook publisher in the world, today announced that one of its bestselling audiobooks and New York Times bestselling book —Music Is History, written and narrated by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson—received a Grammy nomination in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category. The Recording Academy announced the 65th Grammy Awards nominees on November 15, 2022.
In Music Is History, Questlove harnesses his encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and his deep curiosity about history to examine America over the past 50 years. The audiobook focuses on the years 1971 to the present, not only the country’s most complex and rewarding half-century when it comes to the ways that pop culture and culturally diverse history intersect, but also the years that overlap with Questlove’s own life. The listening experience is enhanced with music interwoven throughout organized around personal, playful themes that touch on everything from the relationship of hip-hop to music’s past to the secret ingredient in all funk songs…
“Music Is History is how I see the world. Music serves a series of Polaroids (ok, MPEGs for anyone born after 1995) that let me give historical context and compare historical moments. Today’s ‘It’s only Wednesday!’ might wind up being tomorrow’s January 6th. Writing the book was fun, but crafting the audio version was more fun: it gave me creative space to stretch and score with actors and music,” said Questlove.
“This audiobook is a truly original blend of music, history, and storytelling. Questlove is a sage keeper of the fire who generously shares his music expertise and appreciation with listeners so that they become better listeners. There’s no better companion for this thrilling, music-driven ride through history. Congratulations to Questlove and the stellar production team on the Grammy nod,” said Troy Juliar, Chief Content Officer for RBmedia.
This is Questlove’s 18th Grammy nomination, of which the artist has taken home six wins. The news follows Questlove’s Oscar win earlier this year for his documentary Summer of Soul. He was also named among Time Magazine‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2022.
The 65th Grammy Awards winners will be announced Feb. 5, 2023. Music Is History is produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Scott Sherratt, and Alexis Rosenzweig and published by Recorded Books, RBmedia’s flagship audio brand and available everywhere audiobooks are sold.
