Jon Savage's most recent book, "The Secret Public," thoroughly and insightfully examines how LGBTQ culture influenced popular music and entertainment from 1955 to 1979. This well-researched book shows how important people and events in music history helped bring gay culture from the edges to the center, forever changing pop music.

Savage's book gets the essence of a time of change, from the 1950s, when stars like Little Richard were sexually open, through David Bowie's glam rock revolution, and ending with Sylvester's anthem. These important people not only made people laugh but also questioned social norms, which led to more acceptance and exposure of LGBTQ people.

The Duality of Public and Private Selves

One of the most interesting things about the book is how it looks at the two lives many LGBTQ artists live. Before it became legal to be gay, many artists had to deal with the tricky situation of keeping up public personas that were often at odds with their real selves. Savage does a great job of bringing this fight to life by capturing the suffocating feeling of mid-20th-century America, where anything different was met with hostility and suspicion. 

The Guardian said that Savage's vivid images and in-depth analyses show how knowledgeable he is as a music historian. He dissects well-known musical passages, such as the infectious opening refrain of Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti," to convey the energy and significance of these pivotal cultural events. His skill at weaving together the stories of different stars with societal changes makes for an interesting and educational tapestry.

The Broader Cultural Context

Although the book is about music, Louder Than War stated that the book also talks about larger cultural changes that happened while the LGBTQ influence grew. Savage talks about how artists and performers questioned gender roles and sexuality norms, which helped the fight for gay rights and freedom as a whole. The book talks about important events, like when homosexuality was partially decriminalized in the UK in 1967 and when "gay power" came into being in the US. It demonstrates how popular culture and social transformation are linked.

Not only is Savage's work academic, but it is also personal and emotional. He shows how strong and resilient the gay community is and thinks about the freedom from being different from the norm. The book is a reminder of progress and a warning against getting too comfortable. It stresses how important it is to stay vigilant in supporting the rights of marginalized groups.

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A Masterful Blend of History and Storytelling

What makes the book unique is Savage's skill at combining academic information with interesting storytelling. Even though each part is a sociocultural essay on its own, when read together, they tell a powerful story about the slow but steady progress in LGBTQ rights and acceptance. Savage is an expert in this field, having previously written about punk rock and film movies. This book is the definitive account of how LGBTQ people have affected pop culture.

Conclusion

The book thoroughly and thoughtfully examines how LGBTQ culture and popular music interact. It commemorates the artists brave enough to be different and demonstrates the long-term impact of LGBTQ people on the music industry.

Anyone interested in the past of music and cultural change should read this one. Savage's book shows how music can help improve the world and reminds us that the fight for freedom is still ongoing. 

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