BLACK AND BLUE -Signed First American Paperback Edition-

Barry Singer (Foreword by Bobby Short)

ISBN 10: 002872397X / ISBN 13: 9780028723976

Published by Schirmer Books, New York, 1995

About this Item

First American Paperback Edition. The definitive biography of the greatest Black lyricist of the 20th Century. Andy Razaf was the lyricist of choice for the most esteemed Black songwriters of the prewar era in Harlem. His two closest collaborators were Fats Waller and Eubie Blake. From "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose" to "Memories of You," the words were Razaf's. He also composed with Waller what many regard as America's first race protest song, "Black and Blue."A New York Times Notable Book of the Year.This very good copy of the First American Paperback edition is signed by the author in ink on the title page. There is very light shelf wear and a lower edge remainder dot, else fine . 8vo (444 pages with index; black and white illustrations, photographs).

Seller Inventory # 145436

Bibliographic Details

• Title: BLACK AND BLUE -Signed First American Paperback Edition-
• Publisher: Schirmer Books, New York
• Publication Date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 002872397X
• ISBN 13: 9780028723976
• Binding: Softcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Signed

About this title

Synopsis

Chronicles the life and Prohibition-era times of the legendary songwriter whose lyrics include those for ""Honeysuckle Rose"" and ""Ain't Misbehavin'"" and whose musicals pioneered a distinctive African-American musical theater on Broadway.

From Library Journal

With geniuses like Gershwin and Porter at their peaks, the 1920s were thrilling years for Broadway and Tin Pan Alley. Uptown in Harlem, talented musicians and composers were working to shed the image of minstrelsy and to find mainstream success within the structures of that particularly African American music known as jazz. The subject of this biography was lyricist for hundreds of songs, including "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'." His contemporaries formed a Who's Who of jazz greats, from Louis Armstrong to Razaf's most noted collaborator, Thomas "Fats" Waller. Razaf brought a sensitivity and sophistication to his lyrics that ensurethe timelessness of his best work. The poignant "Black and Blue," dealing with the plight of being black in a white world, may be the first racial protest song. This entertaining look at an underappreciated artist is highly recommended for music collections.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.