Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong
by Gary Giddins
List Price:
Our Price: $4.99
You Save: $11.01 (69%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $1.48 (click here)
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions
Book Summary Information
Author: Gary GiddinsEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-01-16
ISBN: 0306810131
Number of pages: 174
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780306810138
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong
Book Review: Satchmo Trumpets onto the Scene
Summary: 5 Stars
Who knew that someone from such humble beginnings could become one of the greatest trumpeters and entertainers of all time? Well, meet Louis Armstrong. He came from the wrong side of the tracks, in a "red light district." Only in Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong by Gary Giddens can this be discovered. This book was published by De Capo Press on January 16, 2001. The story is inspirational, showing that anyone can become famous, from the most humble beginnings.
Louis Armstrong's story is an example of the life one can create in America. Being born into such poor conditions, it was amazing he could rise from pennies to diamonds. However, he had another disadvantage, being black. This story demonstrates anyone can be successful, no matter what race or ethnicity.
The story opens with a description of the doonies of New Orleans. The time was 1908, the year of Louis Armstrong's birth. The neighborhood was horrible, nothing but criminals and prostitutes. His own sister became a prostitute. However, even though most in his family were failures, he would show the world that he would not become one.
The following is a list of the main characters:
Louis Armstrong: Jazz trumpeter, and soon to become one of the most unforgettable voices in the world.
Mayann: Louis' older sister, who helped raise him, became a prostitute, but then repented as her brother became more famous.
There are many other characters, including his first wife, Daisy. He later married three more times. His home life was not so hot. He had many fights with his wives, and ended-up leaving each one for another.
Louis' life grew more successful as he moved on. Even when Rock and Roll the big hit on the pop charts, he was able to make a huge comeback. He had many hits, such as "What a Wonderful World." Earlier in his career, he would seldom be allowed to sing. He would play second fiddle to many different bands. Whenever Louis had the chance to play and sing in front of an audience, they adored him. However, his bandleaders always held him back.
The best part of the book was when he finally got his chance. He quit the band he was a member of and started his own group. He recorded his first song, "Lazy River." The people running the studio thought this man will not go anywhere. However the song hit number one. An overnight sensation was born.
Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong will stay popular because it is a loving portrait of a man who would change the face of music forever. It is a wonderful example of the American Dream, with a happy ending.
Summary of Satchmo: The Genius of Louis Armstrong
Gary Giddins has been called "the best jazz writer in America today" (Esquire). Louis Armstrong has been called the most influential jazz musician of the century. Together this auspicious pairing has resulted in Satchmo, one of the most vivid and fascinating portraits ever drawn of perhaps the greatest figure in the history of American music. Available now at a new price, this text-only edition is the authoritative introduction to Armstrong's life and art for the curious newcomer, and offers fresh insight even for the serious student of Pops.
History & Criticism Books
Book Subjects
- Arts & Photography
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Business & Investing
- Children's Books
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Internet
- Cooking, Food & Wine
- Entertainment
- Gay & Lesbian
- Health, Mind & Body
- History
- Home & Garden
- Horror
- Law
- Literature & Fiction
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Nonfiction
- Outdoors & Nature
- Parenting & Families
- Professional & Technical
- Reference
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romance
- Science
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports
- Teens
- Travel
Most talked about in History & Criticism Books
KISS and Make-upby Gene Simmons
Crown; Published: 2001-12; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $17.58
Price in other shops:
Elvis Presley: A Life in Music : The Complete Recording Sessionsby Ernst Jorgensen
St Martins Pr; Published: 1998-07; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $199.98
The Devil's Horn: The Story of the Saxophone, from Noisy Novelty to King of Coolby Michael Segell
Picador; Published: 2006-08-22; Paperback; Book
Best price: $6.81
Price in other shops:
Elvis: My Best Man: Radio Days, Rock 'n' Roll Nights, and My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presleyby George Klein, Chuck Crisafulli
Three Rivers Press; Published: 2011-01-04; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.49
Price in other shops:
Bill Evans: How My Heart Singsby Mr. Peter Pettinger
Yale University Press; Published: 1998-08-11; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $75.50
Microsoundby Curtis Roads
The MIT Press; Published: 2004-08-20; Paperback; Book
Best price: $24.00
Price in other shops:
Hip Hop Americaby Nelson George
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2005-04-26; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.52
Price in other shops:
A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane's Signature Albumby Ashley Kahn
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2003-10-28; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.69
Price in other shops:
Jazz Styles: History and Analysis (10th Edition)by Mark C. Gridley
Prentice Hall; Published: 2008-01-17; Paperback; Book
Best price: $45.99
Price in other shops:
Dark Star: An Oral Biography of Jerry Garciaby Robert Greenfield
It Books; Published: 2009-02-10; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.47
Price in other shops:
Similar Books and other products
Louis Armstrong - Hot Fives & SevensARMSTRONG,LOUIS; Release date: 1999-10-26; Music CD
Best price: $19.88
Price in other shops:
Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrongby Terry Teachout
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Published: 2009-12-02; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $3.90
Price in other shops:
An Introduction to America's Musicby Richard Crawford
W. W. Norton & Company; Published: 2000-09; Paperback; Book
Best price: $58.80
Beyond Category: The Life And Genius Of Duke Ellingtonby John Edward Hasse
Da Capo Press; Published: 1995-03-22; Paperback; Book
Best price: $12.14
Price in other shops:
Louis Armstrong's New Orleansby Thomas Brothers
W. W. Norton & Company; Published: 2007-04-17; Paperback; Book
Best price: $7.90
Price in other shops:
Louis Armstrong, In His Own Words: Selected Writingsby Louis Armstrong
Oxford University Press, USA; Published: 2001-05-24; Paperback; Book
Best price: $21.26
Price in other shops:
Dvorak in America: In Search of the New Worldby Joseph Horowitz
Cricket Books/Marcato; Published: 2003-03; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $23.25
What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Yearsby Ricky Riccardi
Pantheon; Published: 2011-06-21; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $14.95
Price in other shops:
Satchmo (Da Capo Paperback)by Louis Armstrong
Da Capo Press; Published: 1986-08; Paperback; Book
Best price: $9.61
Price in other shops:
Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrongby Terry Teachout
Mariner Books; Published: 2010-10-07; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.94
Price in other shops: