An absolutely engaging and impactful historical novel dealing with issues of the fabulous but sometimes cruel music industry and issues of race that were so prevalent coming out of the 60's into the 70's. Told in the style of Daisy Jones and Six, I actually had to look it up to see if this was a novel or a reconstructed historical account. It has brilliant character development and clever plot building. I highly recommend the audiobook version as it features a full cast to portray all of the characters.It tells the tale of the rise and fall of a very unconventional 70's rock duo, who attempt to navigate the precocious business side of the rock 'n roll scene while trying to draw in fans with their new Afro-punk style. The story starts in the 2000's, with SarahLena "Sunny" Curtis, a female journalist who has become the first African American editor-in-chief for a famous rock music magazine. She has chosen to write a book about the story of Opal and Nev and eventually, secretly, helps spearhead the duo's revival. Soon, her research and interviews with all of those involved reveal that there was some sort of horrible incident that lead to the downfall of Opal and Nev. Gradually, you discover that Sunny has close ties to their long history--she clearly has an ulterior motive for taking on this project even to the possible detriment of her career.
In the late 60's, Neville Charles, a little-recognized British singer, guitarist, and song writer gets a contract with a fledgling label, Rivington Records, and needs something special to bring his music to the mainstream. From almost nowhere comes Opal Jewel (the name she chose to represent the essence of her), a rebellious and independent, striking, tall, bald, black woman from Brooklyn. With almost no experience or funds, she has developed her own persona for the stage and breaks through any obstacle in order to fulfill her dream of being a star. Her fierce style, shaped by her gay up-and-coming, fashion designer best friend, along with her singular, indomitable attitude, is just what they need. Everything about them is stunning and at the same time polarizing, which in itself is not always a good thing, and they must deal with the consequences.
Publisher's description:
Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can't imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job--despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar's amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records. In early seventies New York City, just as she's finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal's bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth. Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo's most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything
Opal is a fiercely independent young woman pushing against the grain in her style and attitude, Afro-punk before that term existed. Coming of age in Detroit, she can't imagine settling for a 9-to-5 job--despite her unusual looks, Opal believes she can be a star. So when the aspiring British singer/songwriter Neville Charles discovers her at a bar's amateur night, she takes him up on his offer to make rock music together for the fledgling Rivington Records. In early seventies New York City, just as she's finding her niche as part of a flamboyant and funky creative scene, a rival band signed to her label brandishes a Confederate flag at a promotional concert. Opal's bold protest and the violence that ensues set off a chain of events that will not only change the lives of those she loves, but also be a deadly reminder that repercussions are always harsher for women, especially black women, who dare to speak their truth. Decades later, as Opal considers a 2016 reunion with Nev, music journalist S. Sunny Shelton seizes the chance to curate an oral history about her idols. Sunny thought she knew most of the stories leading up to the cult duo's most politicized chapter. But as her interviews dig deeper, a nasty new allegation from an unexpected source threatens to blow up everything