To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to dedicate this list of titles to Bing Crosby.
Bing was heavily influenced by jazz in his early career and worked with Louis Armstrong on several occasions. He was the most popular entertainer in American during the heyday of the swing and big band eras. Bing was born in Tacoma and grew up in Spokane. Using his family history as a starting point, the Washington State Library and State Archives are offering "Road to Spokane: Bing Crosby's Family History", a workshop on how to research your family tree in Spokane on March 5. More information about this workshop can be found at http://www.sos.wa.gov/heritage/ForTheVisitor4.aspx.
Bing Crosby : a pocketful of dreams, the early years 1903-1940 by Gary Giddins
Author of Visions of Jazz (RC 48253) chronicles the life and times of Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby-a Jesuit-educated Irish-American whose career coincided with the growth of the sound recording technology that fostered his extraordinary popularity. Examines Crosby's family history and work up to World War II. Includes discography and filmography. Some strong language. 2001. Cassette Book RC 5311. Digital Book DB 53111 is available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.53111.
The Big Bands by George Thomas Simon
This book is a great guide to swing music. Former editor-in-chief of Metronome magazine and the original drummer for the Glen Miller orchestra tells insider accounts of bandleaders, vocalists, and instrumentalists of swing-era big bands. Profiles Count Basie, Les Brown, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, and others. Includes discography and a foreword by Frank Sinatra. 1967. Braille Book BR 6550. Cassette Book RC 61651. Digital Book DB 61651 is available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.61651.
Brother Ray: Ray Charles' Own Story by Ray Charles
Candid autobiography of the musician who was born black and poor in the Deep South, became blind as a small boy and was orphaned as a teenager. He moved to Seattle and developed his musical style. At thirty-two he was acclaimed as a musical genius. Strong language and explicit descriptions of sex. Braille Book BR 16278. Cassette Book RC 16618. Digital Book DB 16618 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.16618.
Giants of Jazz by Studs Terkel
Collective biography of thirteen American jazz greats: Joe Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane. Portraits blend musicians' life stories with information about the evolution of jazz. Includes discography. 1957. Braille Book BR 16209. Cassette Book RC 60829. Digital Book DB 60829 is available as a downloadable digital book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.60829.
Jackson Street After Hours: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle by Paul De Barros.
Seattle had its share of ballrooms and clubs where big bands and small combos played. This history covers the jazz scene in Seattle from the 1920s through the 1960s and the people who played in it including Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Ernestine Anderson. 1993. Cassette Book CBA 6053.
Lullaby of Birdland by George Shearing
Reminiscences by congenitally blind jazz pianist Shearing (1919-2011) about his 1920s English childhood and early success in London before he emigrated to America in 1947. Recounts hobnobbing in New York with jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie among others and recording with his famed quintet. 2004. Braille Book BR 15308. Cassette Book RC 57996. Digital Book DB 57996 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.57996.
Music Is My Mistress by Duke Ellington
Autobiography of bandleader, composer, and jazz musician Duke Ellington (1899-1974). Describes Ellington's childhood in Washington, D.C., his fellow artists, his 1923 arrival in New York City, subsequent worldwide tours, and his philosophy of life. 1973. Cassette Book RC 66574. Digital Book DB 66574. Also available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.66574.
Swing, Swing, Swing: The Life and Times of Benny Goodman by Ross Firestone
Biography of jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman (1909-1986) recounts his career as a child prodigy in Chicago, early gigs during the depression era, and success with the "big band" sound. Relates Goodman's role in breaking down racial barriers and describes his relationships with other musicians. 1993. Cassette Book RC 60340. Digital Book DB 60340 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.60340.
Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way: A Biography by Peter J. Levinson
The author of Trumpet Blues (RC 51218) uses anecdotes to describe the volatile personality of jazz trombonist Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956). Portrays Tommy's roots in Pennsylvania coal mining country, his formation of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, and his promotion of Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra. Some strong language. 2005. Cassette Book RC 62555. Digital Book DB 62555 is available as a downloadable book from BARD: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.nls/db.62555.