Swing It: An Annotated History of Jive

By Bill Milkowski

This history of this quintessential American sound examines the rich and raucous history of jive, from its pioneers (Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway) to its golden era (Louis Jordan) to today's retro swingers (Brian Setzer, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy). Includes references discography, bibliography, and index. Foreword by Tim Hauser of The Manhattan Transfer. Illustrations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0756762596
• ISBN13: 9780756762599
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Diane Pub Co
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Can't begin to say how good this book is!

To be honest, I'd only give this book four and-a-half stars because, while it does span off into all areas of jazz, it neglects western swing, and that is unforgivable. This book is great in every other way. It may be the best book on the subject of jazz because, through the articles on individual players, you get to read the very story of jazz itself. There's a lot of people in here, that I did not expect to find either. Case in point, the Andrew Sisters (!). There's some cool photographs in here. The introduction is interesting as well. You shouldn't skip over it like you do in most every other book (you know who you are). Enjoyable and informative; a great book.

I'M SWINGING THE REVIEW YOUR WAY!

"What's shakin' pops?" "Hang tight my brother!," are the kind of words you'll see in this book. Talking jive, or jive talking, whatever you prefer, and the jive masters who started it all. Learn the jive from the Godfathers such as: "Louis Armstrong," "Fats Waller," "Louis Jordan," and the king of jive himself, "Cab Calloway." This book is an exciting read, and very educational. It also talks about the life and deaths of the famous jivers. A perfect selection to add to your book collection.