Meredith Willson: The Unsinkable Music Man
Willson (1902-84) is best known for his phenomenally successful 1957 Broadway show, The Music Man. But as journalist Skipper (Umpires) reveals in this pleasant if somewhat superficial biography, the composer also wrote music for Charlie Chaplin's first talkie and garnered the first Grammy. After covering Willson's beginnings in Mason City, IA, the author delves into his stints playing piccolo with the John Philip Sousa band and the New York Philharmonic, song compositions, radio shows in California, and later triumphs on stage and screen. The descriptions of Willson's relationships with his family and colleagues create the impression of a generous, self-effacing individual who would have probably made a wonderful grandfather had he been blessed with children. Enhancing the book are an up-to-date bibliography and appendixes of Willson's songs and awards. Recommended for public and academic libraries with interest in 20th-century Americana and musical theater.Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OHCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.