Ella Fitzgerald: A Biography of the First Lady of Jazz, Updated Edition

ISBN-13: 9780415971195 / Angielski / Miękka / 2004 / 368 str.

Stuart Nicholson;Nicholson Stuar

Opis

Stuart Nicholson's biography of Ella Fitzgerald is considered a classic in jazz literature. Drawing on original documents, interviews, and new information, Nicholson draws a complete picture of Fitzgerald's professional and personal life. Along with Billie Holiday, she virtually defined the female voice in jazz, and countless others followed in her wake and acknowledged her enormous influence. Beginning as a singer with the Chick Webb band, Fitzgerald scored her first hits with jazzy novelties, and proved her mettle when Webb suddenly died and she found herself the band's de facto leader. When the big band era ended after World War II, she remade herself as a popular balladeer, recording a famous series of Songbooks that helped establish the classic American song repertory. Through the ups-and-downs of her romantic life, Fitzgerald proved a strong survivor, weathering changes in musical taste and stules to become an American icon who transcended genre. Fitzgerald rarely gave interviews on personal subjects, and discussed her life in only the most general terms. Even her birth date was widely misreported until Nicholson unearthed her original birth certificate. Through painstaking research and personal interviews, Stuart Nicholson offers the first full picture of this singer's life and times. Also includes two 8-page inserts.

Recenzje

"That rarity among jazz biographies--a thoroughly researched and carefully considered study that is also a delightful read." -- Downbeat
"Erudite and intelligent." -- Kirkus Reviews

Spis treści

Preface Prologue 1. 1917-1930 2. 1931-1935 3. 1935 4. 1935-1938 5. 1938-1942 6. 1942-1946 7. 1946-1947 8. 1947-1949 9. 1949-1952 10. 1952-1955 11. 1955-1957 12. 1957-1959 13. 1960-1966 14. 1964-1972 15. 1972-1978 16. 1978-1993 Notes Discography Index

O autorze

Stuart Nicholson is a celebrated jazz writer. He is the author of several award-winning books, including a biography of Billie Holiday and a history of Jazz-Rock. He has contributed to major newspapers, from the New York Times to the Manchester Guarding , and major jazz publications including Downbeat 0 and Jazz Times . He lives in Woodlands St.-Mary, Berkshire, England.