| Description |
1 online resource (viii, 414 pages) : illustrations |
| Contents |
Prologue: Bigger than jazz -- "There's a new king" : March 1929 -- "If Louis did it, it must be right" : April-December 1929 -- "I break it up everywhere I play" : December 1929-May 1930 -- "He would just amaze you" : June-November 1930 -- "Just one of the cats" : November 1930-May 1931 -- "I done got Northern-fied" : May-August 1931 -- "They admit you with a smile" : September-November 1931 -- "An artist of eminence" : December 1931-June 1932 -- "The real test is entertainment" : July-November 1932 -- "Always a way, man" : November 1932-June 1933 -- "What the hell is wrong with Louie Armstrong?" : July 1933-June 1935 -- "A much improved salesman" : June-December 1935 -- "Swing is my bread and butter" : January-December 1936 -- "A boom to the colored race" : January-June 1937 -- "Just glad to see us" : July 1937-May 1938 -- "A solid man for comedy" : May 1938-December 1939 -- "He is like the Armstrong of the old days" : January 1940-July 1941 -- "I never tried to be God" : July 1941-July 1942 -- "A little higher on the horse" : August 1942-December 1943 -- "A great deal less than grown up" : January-December 1944 -- "Why should I go back?" : January 1945-December 1945 -- "We really did romp" : January 1946-February 1947 -- "Ain't no music out of date as long as you play it perfect" : 1947 and beyond -- Epilogue: "I can't give you anything but love." |
| Summary |
"The Apollo Theatre in Harlem is synonymous with some of the greatest names in African-American entertainment such James Brown, Redd Foxx, Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, Michael Jackson-and Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong? A man seemingly vilified by the black press and who lost his black fan base over the years because of his out-of-date stage persona? A hero at the Apollo? And in the black press? The way Armstrong's story is often told, this might be difficult to fathom but it's all true. Upon his return to the United States in January 1935 after 18 months in Europe, Armstrong's first stop was the brand-new Apollo. Lip troubles prevented him from playing that evening, but his appearance shook up the Theatre, causing management to put up a placard stating: "Coming Shortly-Louis Armstrong." On August 30, 1935, Armstrong finally graced the Apollo stage. There was much apprehension before his appearance. It was his first New York engagement in nearly two years. He hadn't recorded in America since April 1933. He spent much of the first half of 1935 physically unable to play his trumpet. What kind of shape would he be in? Could he still hit his famed high notes? Should he retire? The black press whipped itself into a frenzy in previewing his return to Harlem. Armstrong himself knew this was a defining moment and took a snapshot of the marquee, keeping it for his personal collection"-- Provided by publisher |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on August 13, 2020) |
| Subject |
Armstrong, Louis, 1901-1971 -- Criticism and interpretation
|
| SUBJECT |
Armstrong, Louis, 1901-1971 fast |
| Subject |
Apollo Theater (New York, N.Y. : 125th Street)
|
| SUBJECT |
Apollo Theater (New York, N.Y. : 125th Street) fast |
| Subject |
Jazz -- New York (State) -- New York -- 1931-1940 -- History and criticism
|
|
Jazz -- New York (State) -- New York -- 1941-1950 -- History and criticism
|
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Jazz
|
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New York (State) -- New York
|
| Genre/Form |
Criticism, interpretation, etc.
|
| Form |
Electronic book
|
| LC no. |
2020008384 |
| ISBN |
9780190914134 |
|
0190914130 |
|
9780190914127 |
|
0190914122 |
|
