Musicians, dancers and performers have long known that John W. Bubbles was an American classic. Now, thanks to Brian Harker's vivid and comprehensive biography, he takes his place center stage in tap, jazz and theater history. His rhythmic innovations and virtuosity did for tap what Louis Armstrong did for jazz. Racism marred his career, but never his charisma or his virtuosity.
Brian Harker is Professor of Music at Brigham Young University. He has twice won the Irving Lowens Award for best article on American music. He is the author of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings and Jazz: An American Journey. He lives with his wife in Orem, Utah.