The Sound of Seattle: 101 Songs that Shaped a City by Eva Walker & Jacob Uitti

This rockin' paperback explores the musical evolution of Seattle through the lens of 101 songs spanning 80 years, examining the most prominent and important music and musicians to come out of our corner of the country, with a foreword by Pearl Jam legend Mike McCready.

KEXP DJ and musician Eva Walker and music writer Jake Uitti take readers on a musical journey, exploring the songs and artists instrumental to developing the "Seattle sound." The authors have curated the ultimate playlist for the Emerald City. It all begins in 1942 when Washington-born Bing Crosby records what will become the world's bestselling single of all time, "White Christmas." From there, readers will delight in a sensory trip through jazz, rock, punk, riot grrrl, pop, rap, grunge, indie, emo, and more, deepening their knowledge and love of the songs that shaped Seattle, and in the process, each of us.

Both a love letter and love song to the city, The Sound of Seattle is a visual guide organized by decade, with seminal songs profiled and paired with inventive design reminiscent of a favorite zine or concert poster. Includes interviews with Seattle legends like Heart's Nancy Wilson, as well as sidebars showcasing musical landmarks throughout the city.

How has the Emerald City's musical output changed and evolved? What is the connective tissue between Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Kenny G? Between Melvins, Sleater-Kinney, and Foo Fighters? Between Sir Mix-a-Lot, Macklemore, and Travis Thompson? We're gonna find out!

Editorial Reviews

"This is bound to be one of the most talked about local books of the year." —Seattle Times

"The Sound of Seattle exceeds expectations. . . This book informs, entertains, and will have music lovers searching through record bins and/or their music streaming services to locate more than a few of these choice selections." —Readers' Favorite

"This book is a sonic adventure through the northwest's iconic music scene. From jazz on Jackson to Black Belt Eagle Scout and all the badasses in between, you will swing, mosh, headbang, shimmy, and sway your way through the music, places, and people that define The Sound of Seattle. Buckle up, bitches!" —Megan Jasper, Sub Pop Records CEO

"Jake and Eva have crafted a fun and breezy romp through some of the most important spots of Northwest music history. The songs referenced should be required listening for anyone with a love of Northwest music, and in my book—and in this one—these locations are shrines to an important cultural history past and present, which this book lovingly details." —Charles R. Cross, New York Times best-selling author

"Thank you Eva and Jake for writing this informative and heartfelt book about a subject close to my heart, the music culture of the Pacific Northwest." —Matt Cameron, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer