Blue rhythms : six lives in rhythm and blues / Chip Deffaa.

Author/creator Deffaa, Chip, 1951-
Format Book
Publication InfoUrbana : University of Illinois Press, ©1996.
Descriptionxviii, 301 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
Subjects

SeriesMusic in American life
Music in American life. ^A223005
Contents Ruth Brown: "nobody knows you" -- Little Jimmy Scott: "like a motherless child" -- Charles Brown: "I'm driftin' and driftin'" -- Floyd Dixon: "hard living alone" -- LaVern Baker: "where ya been so long?" -- Jimmy Witherspoon: "How long blues?".
Abstract The high times and hard times of six of the greatest living rhythm and blues artists unfold in the pages of this book. In this vivid slice of oral history. The author profiles Ruth Brown, the most popular female black singer of the early 1950s; LaVern Baker, who succeeded Brown; Little Jimmy Scott, who Madonna calls the only singer who ever really made her cry; Charles Brown, master of the "club blues" style he popularized; Floyd Dixon, a more rambunctious fellow traveler; and Jimmy Witherspoon, whose blend of earthiness and urbanity helped earn him as big an R&B hit as was ever recorded. Deffaa deals not only with the performers' music but also with their struggles against racism and financial exploitation. The work is illustrated with more than forty photographs.
Local noteLittle-305251--305131010876Z
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 269-274) and index.
LCCN 95004414
ISBN0252022033

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk ML400 .D4 1996 ✔ Available Place Hold