Research Catalog

Title

Heart full of rhythm : the big band years of Louis Armstrong / Ricky Riccardi.

Author

Riccardi, Ricky, 1980-

Publication

• New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2020]
• ©2020

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

viii, 414 pages : illustrations, portraits; 25 cm

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 A man seemingly vilified by the black press and who lost his black fan base over the years because of his out-of-date stage persona?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"--

Subject

• Armstrong, Louis, 1901-1971 > Criticism and interpretation
• Armstrong, Louis, 1901-1971
• Apollo Theater (New York, N.Y. : 125th Street)
• 1931-1950
• Jazz > New York (State) > New York > 1931-1940 > History and criticism
• Jazz > New York (State) > New York > 1941-1950 > History and criticism
• Jazz
• New York (State) > New York

Genre/Form

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (pages 341-395) and index.

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 Louis 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 1941-1942 -- "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".

Call Number

Sc E 21-765

ISBN

• 9780190914110
• 0190914114

LCCN

2020008383

OCLC

1137836373

Author

Riccardi, Ricky, 1980- author.

Title

Heart full of rhythm : the big band years of Louis Armstrong / Ricky Riccardi.

Publisher

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2020]

Copyright Date

©2020

Type of Content

text

Type of Medium

unmediated

Type of Carrier

volume

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 341-395) and index.

Local Note

TRACES ARMSTRONG'S MID-CAREER FALL FROM GRACE AND DRAMATIC RESURGENCE.

Chronological Term

1931-1950

Research Call Number

Sc E 21-765