Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf (Signed)

Singer, Barry

ISBN 10: 0028723953 / ISBN 13: 9780028723952

Published by Schirmer Reference, 1993

About this Item

Inscribed by Barry Singer on title page. Near Fine. First Printing. Hardcover and dust jacket. Good binding and cover. Clean, unmarked pages. *Autographed by author.* Andy Razaf was a philosopher; poet, composer, and prolific musical lyricist of over five hundred songs, comprising some of the greatest hits from the Tin Pan Alley (New York) era. During his professional lifetime, Razaf worked with composers such as Fats Waller, Eubie Blake, Don Redman, James P. Johnson, and Harry Brooks. In collaboration with Fats Waller, Razaf wrote the lyrics to some landmark American songs: 'Ain't Misbehavin,' 'Honeysuckle Rose,' (What Did I Do to Be So) 'Black and Blue,' and 'The Joint is Jumpin.'.

Seller Inventory # 1807130019

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Black and Blue: The Life and Lyrics of Andy Razaf (Signed)
• Publisher: Schirmer Reference
• Publication Date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0028723953
• ISBN 13: 9780028723952
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Like New
• Weight: 30 ounces
• Signed: Signed
• Seller catalogs:
  • Music

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.

Reviews

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.