MUSIC IS HISTORY combines Questlove’s deep musical expertise with his curiosity about history, examining America over the past fifty years. 

Focusing on the years 1971 to the present, Questlove finds the hidden connections in the American tapestry, whether investigating how the blaxploitation era reshaped Black identity or considering the way disco took an assembly-line approach to Black genius. These critical inquiries are complemented by his own memories as a music fan, and the way his own appetite for pop culture taught him about America.

A history of the last half-century and an intimate conversation with one of music’s most influential and unique voices, MUSIC IS HISTORY is a singular look at contemporary America. As part of the Kennedy Center’s 50th Anniversary, the launch of The Roots Residency and his new book, join Questlove for an insightful conversation with special guests addressing the personal and the political in MUSIC IS HISTORY.

A copy of MUSIC IS HISTORY is included in the price of your ticket.

Tap into the Fall 2021 Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture season.