ABSTRACT
Similar in structure to Chapter 3, this chapter presents case studies of popular artists with disabilities. From the blues, jazz, and R&B to rock ‘n’ roll, pop, hip hop, and country music, disabled musicians and performers have encoded their experiences into the popular music landscape. We argue that popular music provides a kaleidoscopic view of the disabled experience broadly defined. The case studies herein reflect this breadth, covering topics of visible physical disability, such as blindness, polio, amputation, and paraplegia, as well as invisible disabilities related to mental health, addiction, and substance use. In addition to providing a bibliography for all works referenced, each subsection also includes a list of sources entitled “Further Reading/Listening for Students.” This equips instructors with recommendations for readings and videos that are accessible to students.
