284. Eva Walker and Jacob Uitti with Molly Sides, Jimmy James, Evan Flory-Barnes, and Marco Collins: The Sound of Seattle

Town Hall Seattle Arts & Culture Series

What connects Seattle with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Kenny G? How about the Melvins, Sleater-Kinney, and Foo Fighters? And Sir Mix-a-Lot, Macklemore, and Travis Thompson? If you don’t know, KEXP DJ and musician Eva Walker and music writer Jake Uitti can tell you.

Walker and Uitti have created a timeline of Seattle’s music evolution through the lens of 101 songs spanning 80 years, the culmination of which, they say, creates a distinct “Seattle sound.” In their book, The Sound of Seattle, they highlight notable music and musicians who have ties with the Emerald city. It all begins in 1942 when Washington-born Bing Crosby records what will become the world’s best selling single of all time, “White Christmas.” From there, Walker and Uitti explore multiple genres including jazz, rock, punk, riot grrrl, pop, rap, grunge, indie, emo, and more. This playlist, they believe, helped create Seattle’s culture.

With a foreword by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, The Sound of Seattle is organized by decade and includes interviews with Seattle legends like Heart’s Nancy Wilson, as well as sidebars showcasing musical landmarks throughout the city. Seattle has many connections to music, and Walker and Uitti would argue that the city is shaped by them, and in turn, shape the people living in it.

Eva Walker plays in the rock ‘n’ roll band The Black Tones and is a DJ at KEXP. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, she comes from a southern family of educators and music lovers. Her Louisiana-bred mother and grandparents have greatly influenced her music, work ethic, and manners. Eva believes in discovering, listening to, and experiencing music as much as possible. She has a deep love for Seattle music — from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy James — and is an avid fan of classics, rediscoveries, and rare recordings.

Jake Uitti’s work has appeared in Vanity Fair, The Guardian, Interview, The Nation, The Athletic and many more publications. When not immersed mid-interview, Jake can be found in search of the city’s best fried chicken or cheese pizza slice. He is the co-author of memoirs with NBA stars Muggsy Bogues, Earl Cureton and Michael Ray Richardson, and co-author of The Sound of Seattle: 101 Songs that Shaped a City with his radio DJ wife. The son of Ivy League professors, Jake grew up amidst tomes of French literature, but soulful meals, thoughtful music, thrilling sports, and compelling conversations are his true loves.

Molly Sides is the dynamic frontwoman for the fiery all-female rock band Thunderpussy. A dancer, teacher, singer, songwriter and much more, she is incandescent.

Jimmy James is one of the world’s best guitar players. With a distinctive sound all his own, James has topped Billboard charts and is the consummate band leader in groups like The True Loves.

Evan Flory-Barnes is a bassist and composer who has been creating and performing music since high school. He has worked with a wide range of artists and bands across various genres, performing across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Africa.

Marco Collins has discovered and helped break more bands than some radio stations. His name is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and he’s a legend in his own time.

Buy the Book The Sound of Seattle: 101 Songs that Shaped a City

Third Place Books