Full Description
Legendary jazz ambassador Dr. Billy Taylor's autobiography spans more than six decades, from the heyday of jazz on 52nd Street in 1940s New York City to CBS Sunday Morning. Taylor fought not only for the recognition of jazz music as "America's classical music" but also for the recognition of black musicians as key contributors to the American music repertoire. Peppered with anecdotes recalling encounters with other jazz legends such as Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and many others, The Jazz Life of Dr. Billy Taylor is not only the life story of a jazz musician and spokesman but also a commentary on racism and jazz as a social force.
Contents
Introduction
Chronology of the Life of William Edward Taylor Jr.
1. Beginnings: 1921-1938
2. College Years: 1938-1942
3. Making Waves: 1943-1946
4. The Subject Is Jazz: 1946-1958
5. From "Tobacco Tags" to the Urban Airwaves: 1959-1968
6. How It Feels to Be Free: 1969-1990
7. Reflections
Discography
Selected Publications Authored by Dr. Billy Taylor
Index
