Living Colour History: The Untold Story of Rock, Race and Resistance
- Eric Senich
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Living Colour changed the sound and image of modern rock by combining hard rock, funk, metal, blues, jazz, and hip-hop while confronting racism, identity, politics, and power. In this video and audio episode of Booked On Rock, author Preston Frazier explores Living Colour history through his book Shade of Living Colour, tracing the band’s journey from early CBGB performances and Mick Jagger’s support to the breakthrough success of Vivid and “Cult of Personality.”
The conversation examines Vernon Reid’s revolutionary guitar work, Corey Glover’s commanding vocals, Will Calhoun’s explosive drumming, and the contributions of bassists Muzz Skillings and Doug Wimbish. Frazier also discusses Time’s Up, Stain, Collideøscope, The Chair in the Doorway, and Shade, revealing how the Black Rock Coalition, industry pressure, the band’s breakup, and its eventual reunion shaped an enduring legacy. Watch the video or listen to the audio to discover why Living Colour history is essential to understanding rock’s Black roots and its continuing struggle against musical boundaries.
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