This reference book covers four decades of rock, pop and soul music from Buddy Holly to Herbie Hancock with hundreds of new entries such as Madonna, U2 and Prince. There are over 600 entries with each one providing information on the star's musical significance, often drawing on personal interviews. Many entries are illustrated with photographs. "Rolling Stone" magazine named the book in its select Basic Rock Library. Irwin Stambler has been a music reporter since the 1960s and co-authored "The Encyclopedia of Folk, Country and Western Music".