Beyer combines history, journalism in story of music

When he writes a book, author Rick Beyer combines journalism and history.

“I try to bring to history news sensibility,” Beyer said at a National Press Club event on June 14 featuring his latest book, "The Greatest Music Stories Never Told."

The book tells 100 stories that illuminate hidden details about music -- ranging from 1400 BC to 2007. “History is important and fun,” Beyer said, adding that that music may older than humanity and probably predates language.

During his presentation, Beyer created musical tones by running the tip of his finger around the rim of wineglasses filled with water. He said that in 1761 Benjamin Franklin attended a concert played on wine glasses, which led him to invent a musical instrument, the armonica.

The armonica became popular, and Mozart and Beethoven wrote pieces for it. But people later thought the armonica could cause insanity. The instrument disappeared in the early 1800s.

Beyer also discussed Ivan Vaughn, who Beyer asserted is possibly the most important person in the history of rock and roll because he introduced John Lennon and Paul McCartney who later formed the Beatles. He also told the audience about Brian May, the guitarist for the band Queen and the only astrophysicist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Emily Whitten of the Book and Author Committee introduced Beyer.