Louis Armstrong: The Soundtrack of the American Experience (Library of African American Biography)

Stricklin, David

ISBN 10: 1442245999 / ISBN 13: 9781442245990

Published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2015

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Ex library copy with usual stamps & stickers. Seller Inventory # wbs6349950361

Synopsis:

In the twentieth century, African Americans not only helped make popular music the soundtrack of the American experience, they advanced American music as one of the preeminent shapers of the worlds popular culture. Vast numbers of black American musicians deserve credit for this remarkable turn of events, but a few stand out as true giants. David Stricklins superb new biography explores the life of one of them, Louis Armstrong.

The life story of this great instrumentalist, bandleader, and entertainer illustrates much of the black entertainers impact on American culture and illuminates how popular culture often intersects with politics and economics. Armstrong emerged from a precarious background and triumphed over almost impossible odds, becoming a transcendent public figure and an international icon. Mr. Stricklin concentrates on Armstrongs musical talent, something many observers called a thing of genius. But he also pays special attention to Armstrongs identity a black man in America and the ways in which he triumphed over the mistreatment and disrespect dealt countless people like him. The creativity and exuberance he shared with the world came from his unique vantage as an artist and as an African American with a striking and lively spirit of freedom. He might have been able to demonstrate that determination in any line of work, but his story has special urgency because he expressed his creative power through music. With 16 black-and-white photographs.

About the Author: David Stricklin is professor of history and head of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. With Bill C. Malone, he has also written Southern Music/American Music. He lives in Little Rock, AK.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Louis Armstrong: The Soundtrack of the ...
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publication Date: 2015
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Good