Baby Boomer Rock 'n' Roll Fans

This book explores the sociological impact of rock music on baby boomers, highlighting how it shapes their identity and life experiences.

In Baby Boomer Rock 'n' Roll Fans: The Music Never Ends, author Joseph Kotarba delves into the intricate relationship between rock music and the baby boomer generation, drawing upon 18 years of sociological research and 52 years of personal fandom. Through participant observations and interviews with artists, fans, and producers, Kotarba employs symbolic interactionist theory to examine how this genre of music has shaped the identities and experiences of those born between 1946 and 1964. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of how rock 'n' roll has become a defining element in the lives of its fans, influencing their social interactions and personal narratives.

Kotarba emphasizes the unique role that rock music plays in the everyday lives of baby boomers, illustrating how it serves as a cultural touchstone that informs their understanding of self. Each chapter engages with sociological concepts to reveal how these individuals navigate various aspects of life—be it as parents, political participants, or social beings. The narrative showcases the enduring impact of rock 'n' roll, not just as a musical genre, but as a means through which baby boomers celebrate and make sense of their existence throughout adulthood.

Baby Boomer Rock 'n' Roll Fans ultimately offers valuable insights for scholars and students interested in music, sociology, and American popular culture. By examining the interplay between music and identity, the book highlights the profound ways in which rock 'n' roll continues to resonate with its fans, shaping their experiences and sense of self in a rapidly changing world.