Rhythm is our business
Subtitle: Jimmie Lunceford and the Harlem Express
By: Eddy Determeyer
Series: Jazz perspectives; Jazz perspectives (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Ann Arbor
Language: eng
Number of pages: 331
ISBN-13: 9780472115532
Subjects: Conductors (Music); History and criticism; Big band music; Biography
Description: "In the 1930s, swing music reigned, and the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra was the hottest and hippest attraction on the black dance circuits. Known for its impeccable appearance and infectious rhythms, Lunceford's group was able to out-swing and outdraw any band. For ten consecutive years, they were the best-loved attraction at Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. The group's hit recordings sold in the hundreds of thousands, and Jimmie Lunceford's band rivaled Ellington's for popularity in the African American community." "Jimmie Lunceford was also an innovator, elevating big-band showmanship to an art and introducing such novel instruments as the electric guitar and bass. The band's arrangements, written by Sy Oliver, Edwin Wilcox, Gerald Wilson, Billy Moore, Jr., and Tadd Dameron, were daring and forward looking, influencing generations of big-band writers." "Rhythm Is Our Business traces the development of the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra from its infant days as a high school band in Memphis to its record-breaking tours across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The book also unveils Lunceford's romantic yet ill-fated involvement with Yolande DuBois, daughter of famous writer and opinion leader W.E.B. DuBois. And by reconstructing Lunceford's last day, the book offers a glimpse into the mysteries surrounding the leader's untimely death. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the history and legacy of swing."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-271), discography (p. 273-311), and index.
Table of contents: title: Go west; title: A versatile varsity man; title: Down and out in Cleveland; title: Shaping well; title: Cotton Club parade; title: Swing begins; title: Life with Lunceford; title: For dancers only; title: Swinging in Sweden; title: When Sy left the Lunce; title: Battling on; title: Blues in the night; title: Exodus; title: Downhill, and up; title: Sunset in Seaside; title: The bounce goes on, for a while.