In two recent publications, the cultural significance of emoji and the legacy of the Everly Brothers are examined, revealing insights into their respective impacts on modern communication and music history. Keith Houston’s book, Face With Tears of Joy: A Natural History of Emoji, and Barry Mazor’s Blood Harmony: The Everly Brothers Story, provide readers with an engaging look at how these elements shaped contemporary culture.
Emoji: A Complex History of Expression
Houston’s exploration into emoji traces their rise to prominence, particularly after the addition of an emoji keyboard to Apple devices in 2011. Laura Miller, writing for Slate, emphasizes the importance of emoji in preventing misunderstandings in digital communication. Houston, noted for his “breezy, witty” style, argues that while emoji are often described as a language, they function more as “insurgents within language.”
The book reveals the intricate history behind these symbols, starting from the pioneering work of Shigetaka Kurita in 1999. Contrary to popular belief, Kurita is not solely credited with their invention, as pictorial characters had been used in Japan since the 1980s. The evolution of emoji is showcased, from their initial popularity to the Oxford English Dictionary naming the “face with tears of joy” as the word of the year in 2015.
Houston’s narrative also highlights the political implications of emoji, noting debates over skin tone variations and the representation of various professions. As Steven Poole points out in The Guardian, emoji have always reflected societal attitudes and creativity. Today’s youth engage with these symbols in unexpected ways, transforming their meanings—showing that human expression is ever-evolving.
The Everly Brothers: Harmonies and Turmoil
In a different but equally compelling exploration, Barry Mazor’s Blood Harmony offers an in-depth look at the Everly Brothers, who left an indelible mark on the music industry between 1957 and 1962. Marc Weingarten, writing for The Los Angeles Times, highlights how Don and Phil Everly became icons of pop music, yet their sudden decline raises questions about their legacy.
Mazor’s biography delves into the brothers’ tumultuous relationship and the influences that shaped their music. Growing up in a family of musicians, the Everlys were exposed to diverse sounds, ultimately creating a unique blend of country, rock, and pop. Their hits, such as “Bye Bye Love” and “Wake Up Little Susie,” showcased their harmonious vocals and distinctive guitar work.
Despite their early success, the Everly Brothers faced challenges, including the rise of The Beatles in the 1960s, which overshadowed their influence. Personal struggles, including substance abuse, led to a dramatic fallout between the brothers. Eddie Dean, writing for The Wall Street Journal, notes that the duo’s split in the late 1960s marked a low point in their careers.
Mazor strikes a balance between the Everlys’ personal struggles and their musical achievements. The narrative culminates in their reunion in the early 1980s, highlighting a moment of reconciliation and a return to the stage that brought them renewed success.
Both Houston and Mazor craft narratives that explore the essence of human expression. Houston’s examination of emoji reveals how these symbols have changed the way we communicate, while Mazor’s biography of the Everly Brothers illustrates the complexities of artistry and personal relationships. Together, these works invite readers to reflect on the cultural influences that continue to shape our world.
