Dizzy Gillespie (Black Americans of Achievement) - Softcover

Gentry, Tony

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791011526 ISBN 13: 9780791011522

Publisher: Chelsea House Pub, 1993

Synopsis

A biography of the Afro-American musician and "ambassador of jazz" who introduced the world to "bebop"

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-- Like others in this series, these entries delve into the backgrounds of their subjects and examine the impact each has had on society. The biography of the inventor of bebop relates Gillespie's struggles to create his own musical approach; he is portrayed as an innovative and daring virtuoso who was able to introduce his style on a wide scale through his roles both as performer and as goodwill ambassador. Jakoubek captures Jackson's major achievements, touching on some of the controversies that have surrounded him. Both books evaluate their subjects fairly, although Jakoubek's is stronger, making use of views and opinions that oppose Jackson's style and agenda. Numerous black-and-white photographs enhance the texts and bring the subjects into greater focus. The further reading lists include a few titles that are somewhat advanced for this age range; otherwise, these are good additions to most collections. --Jeanette Lambert, LaVega School, Waco, TX
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

In the ``Black Americans of Achievement'' series, an enjoyable, well-chronicled volume about a jazz great. Writing about Gillespie, of course, means simultaneously covering the various developments and innovations in jazz; this Gentry does with amiable ease. Be-bop, the founding of the Newport Jazz Festival, Gillespie's famous ``bent'' horn--even his run for President in 1964--all are placed in a context of hard work, impassioned early-morning jam sessions, ``hot'' clubs, and names like: Bird, Thelonius, Kenny Clarke. Readers will come away with a sense of admiration for these personalities as well as a wish to learn more about the art of jazz. Accessible and inviting, with an array of contemporary b&w photos. Appendix; chronology; further reading; index. (Biography. 10+) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0791011526
• ISBN 13: 9780791011522
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 111