Berry, an author and music columnist for New Orleans Magazine, et al. chronicle the rhythm and blues music of New Orleans from its origins in the 1950s to the present day, within social and historical context. They discuss why so many musicians come from New Orleans, the culture that cultivated musical talent, the tradition of musical families in the city like the Marsalises and the Lasties, and the importance of neighborhoods and kinship lines, clubs and bars, oral traditions and rituals, as well as the contributions of musicians like Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Huey Smith, Guitar Slim, Allen Toussaint, Dave Williams, Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, the Mardi Gras Indians, Willie Tee, the Neville Brothers, and others. This edition has been updated through Hurricane Katrina. The book originated in a documentary of the same name. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)