This "companion" encompasses in one A-Z sequence all that is notable within this vast subject, covering the history and style of all the major strands within Anglo-American popular music from operetta to blues and folk. There are biographical entries on all the major exponents within each field - for example, composers, singers, librettists, performers, band leaders, conductors and their bands and orchestras. There are entries on major shows and films, detailing plot where appropriate and giving the number of performances, and on major songs. There are entries on the main instruments used in popular music, as well as entries on associated subjects - organizations, clubs, impresarios and publishers. From Offenbach to Scott Joplin, from Louis Armstrong to The Who, this guide covers all major strands within Anglo-American popular music over the last 150 years. It features operetta to blues and folk, with articles on history, style, performers and composers, instruments, songs and shows. Other works by Peter Gammond include "A Guide to Popular Music" (with Peter Clayton), "Scott Joplin and the Ragtime Era", "The Guinness Jazz A-Z" (with Peter Clayton) and "Duke Ellington".