From the Editor 01-16
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 01-16 Read More »
Frankie Newton: The Forgotten Trumpeter (Part II)
In the second part of this extended Historical Essay, Thomas Cunniffe explores Frankie Newton’s life and music from 1938 through his death in 1954. In addition to examining Newton’s recordings, Cunniffe also discusses the likely reasons for Newton’s absence in the studios from 1939-1943 and 1946-1954.
Frankie Newton: The Forgotten Trumpeter (Part II) Read More »
Fats Waller at the Pipe Organ
Fats Waller recorded over 70 sides on pipe organs in Camden, New Jersey and London, England. Thomas Cunniffe examines this unique recorded legacy in an extended essay.
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The Earliest Recordings of “Body and Soul”
Before it was interpolated into the Broadway revue, Three’s A Crowd, Johnny Green’s Body and Soul had been a hit in England. As the show went through tryouts, the lyrics of the song underwent a complete rewrite before its Broadway premiere. In this interactive Historical Essay, Thomas Cunniffe examines 17 recordings of B&S recorded between February and October 1930.
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Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington (by Terry Teachout)
In the weeks following its Terry Teachout’s new critical biography Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington has unleashed a storm of controversy, including charges of blatant racism. Thomas Cunniffe examines the book, finding strengths in Teachout’s exemplary collection of historical facts, and flaws in his basic musical hypothesis.
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The Jazz Life of Dr. Billy Taylor (by Billy Taylor & Teresa L. Reed)
Until shortly before his death in December 2010, Dr. Billy Taylor maintained a busy schedule of concerts, lectures and other live appearances. Unfortunately, that meant that he had little time to write his memoirs. He did work with a ghostwriter, Teresa Reed, but even Reed admits that she did not have adequate time with Taylor. The resulting book, The Jazz Life of Dr. Billy Taylor has just been published, and Thomas Cunniffe offers his reactions to the volume.
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From the Editor 03-14
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 03-14 Read More »
From the Editor 03-15
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 03-15 Read More »
From the Editor 03-16
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 03-16 Read More »
From the Editor 03-18
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 03-18 Read More »
From the Editor 04-12
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 04-12 Read More »
From the Editor 04-13
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 04-13 Read More »
From the Editor 04-14
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 04-14 Read More »
From the Editor 04-15
Jazz History Online: dedicated to the finest in jazz–past and present.
From the Editor 04-15 Read More »