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Rhythm Man (Chick Webb and the Beat that Changed America)
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Product Details
Author:
Stephanie Stein Crease
Format:
Hardcover
Pages:
360
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (April 25, 2023)
Audience:
General/trade
ISBN-13:
9780190055691
ISBN-10:
0190055693
Weight:
23.54oz
File:
OXFORDU-oxford_onix30-2025-0720-20250721.xml
Folder:
OXFORDU
List Price:
$35.99
Pub Discount:
44
Series:
CULTURAL BIOGRAPHIES SERIES
Case Pack:
16
As low as:
$31.31
Publisher Identifier:
P-OXFORD
Discount Code:
F
Imprint:
Oxford University Press
Overview
The first comprehensive biography of the Swing Era's pioneering virtuoso drummer and bandleader
William Henry "Chick" Webb (1905-39) was one of the first virtuoso drummers in jazz and an innovative bandleader dubbed the "Savoy King," who reigned at Harlem's world-famous Savoy Ballroom. Along with the likes of Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Cab Calloway, Webb helped create the popular dance and music culture, known as Swing, that swept the United States during and after the Great Depression and left an indelible impact on American culture. Having moved to Harlem from Baltimore during the Harlem Renaissance, Webb's creativity, charisma and persistence enabled him to navigate the harsh realities of racism and show business, lifting not only himself to stardom but also bringing other future legends-namely vocalist extraordinaire Ella Fitzgerald and R&B trailblazer Louis Jordan-along with him. But at the peak of his fame, at just 34 years of age, his life was cut short by the chronic spinal tuberculosis that had left him four feet tall with a hump on his back.
In this first comprehensive biography of Webb, author Stephanie Stein Crease traces his story in full, showing how his skills and innovations as a bandleader helped catalyze the music of the Swing Era and the growing big band industry, allowing Webb to become one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Crease explores Webb's personal and professional struggles as he rose to the top of the increasingly competitive world of big band jazz.
Complete with rare photographs, posters, news clippings, and a discography, this biography will be a gift to jazz aficionados and scholars.
William Henry "Chick" Webb (1905-39) was one of the first virtuoso drummers in jazz and an innovative bandleader dubbed the "Savoy King," who reigned at Harlem's world-famous Savoy Ballroom. Along with the likes of Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Cab Calloway, Webb helped create the popular dance and music culture, known as Swing, that swept the United States during and after the Great Depression and left an indelible impact on American culture. Having moved to Harlem from Baltimore during the Harlem Renaissance, Webb's creativity, charisma and persistence enabled him to navigate the harsh realities of racism and show business, lifting not only himself to stardom but also bringing other future legends-namely vocalist extraordinaire Ella Fitzgerald and R&B trailblazer Louis Jordan-along with him. But at the peak of his fame, at just 34 years of age, his life was cut short by the chronic spinal tuberculosis that had left him four feet tall with a hump on his back.
In this first comprehensive biography of Webb, author Stephanie Stein Crease traces his story in full, showing how his skills and innovations as a bandleader helped catalyze the music of the Swing Era and the growing big band industry, allowing Webb to become one of the most influential musicians in jazz history. Crease explores Webb's personal and professional struggles as he rose to the top of the increasingly competitive world of big band jazz.
Complete with rare photographs, posters, news clippings, and a discography, this biography will be a gift to jazz aficionados and scholars.
