We Were Here explores the history of Black artists in rock and alternative music

The book “We Were Here” seeks to provide a corrective to the traditional history of rock and roll and alternative music. It aims to repopulate these musical histories with the Black artists and influential figures who shaped the genres, moving beyond narratives that primarily center on white male musicians.

The text highlights the essential role of the Black community in music scenes, noting that the history of alternative music cannot be fully understood without their contributions. It cites various influential figures across decades, including Sister Rosetta Tharpe in the 1930s and 1940s, Chuck Berry in the 1950s, Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s, Bad Brains in the late 1970s, and Living Colour in the 1980s.