This student book encourages an understanding of U.S. history through song, and of American song through history. The book is organized in two main parts, the first focuses on the nature of popular music. It examines "What is Popular Music?" and looks at pop themes, lyrics, melodies, rhythm, the composer, performer, and publisher. The second part focuses on the place of popular music in history. Subjects examined include: Indian Songs; Colonization and Settlements; Revolutionary America; Territorial and Economic Expansion; The Civil War; Industrialization and Urbanization; Expansion in Business and International Affairs; World War I; The Roaring Twenties; The Depression; World War II; The Cold War; The Civil-Rights Movement; The Vietnam War; Recession and Decentralization; Toward a New World Order; and The Nineties. Musical examples are given throughout the text. "First Encore: Musical Notes" helps non-music-readers understand the examples. A few passages require technical musical knowledge. Suggestions for listening activities, research topics, and discussion questions are provided throughout the book and at the end of each chapter. A bibliography, discography, index of songs, and index of composers, lyricists, and performers concludes the text. (MM)