And the Beat Goes On is a one-volume survey of American popular music from the post-Civil War era to today. Intended for an introductory course on American popular music, it proceeds chronologically, taking a listening approach to the material. After a brief definition of popular music, the author discusses its elements, from instrumentation and performing styles through rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, and form. He then traces the sources of American popular music, including its roots in both Europe and Africa. Book jacket.