Table of Contents

Foreword - Joan BaezIntroduction - Eric CharryBibliographyDiscography, Videography, WebographyPart I: Learning the Rhythm1. The Spirit of Drumming2. Yorubaland3. From Lagos to AtlantaPart II: Adapting to a New Rhythm4. Jim Crow and College Life5. Harlem on my Mind6. Drums of PassionPart III: Passing the Rhythm On7. Social Change and Civil Rights8. World Music Comes of Age9. Voices of AfricaAfterword - Robert AtkinsonIndexPhotograph gallery follows page 122

Promotional Information

The autobiography of Olatunji, African musician and Africa's pioneer cultural ambassador to the world, captures a unique personal perspective of the world

About the Author

Babatunde Olatunji (1927-2003) internationally renowned musician, teacher, and humanitarian, was "teacher in residence" at the Esalen Institute at the time of his death.Robert Atkinson is Director, Center for the Study of Lives at the University of Southern Maine.

Reviews

"remarkable...This excellent autobiography, among other things, tells what it was like being black in America in [Olatunji's] lifetime, a life that included numerous successes, gaining respect and admiration from his colleagues and friends." Multicultural Review "If you would like to be motivated and enriched by a true life's accounting of an African drummer with the mission of cultural understanding, human rights, civil rights, and social justice, you won't be able to put this book down." Percussion Notes "In this beguiling autobiography, Olatunji traces his life... [he] writes with humor, passion and occasional bitterness as he delineates both his successes and disappointments over the years...The Beat Of My Drum is an inspiring book that makes a convincing case for a prominent place for Olatunji among the social and artistic leaders of the last half of the 20th century." Dirty Linen "The text is a fascinating memoir of Olatunji's intriguing career." Sing Out "[A]n absorbing read that highlights [Olatunji's] sometimes-forgotten role in the Civil Rights movement, as well as his groundbreaking musical career." Global Rhythm "This book is unmistakably a portrait of a committed, accomplished man, a great man, in some respects a role model for us all & fascinating explanation of what it was that influenced him and drove him to greatness." The Beat "Featuring an excellent introduction that places Olatunji in the context of music history, this accessible book is highly recommended for all African and world music collections." Library Journal "Olatunji taught this country--white and black--the glories of West African music and dance. His message is now being carried on by thousands of younger people in different parts of the U.S.A. It is good to have this book, with his words, to tell his story more completely." Pete Seeger "Baba has spread his rhythm seeds far and wide and now we have many new crops in our garden of rhythm thanks to his vision and passion." Mickey Hart