Rhythm Man

Chick Webb and the Beat That Changed America (Cultural Biographies Series)

De: Stephanie Stein Crease

Narrado por: James Fouhey

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.

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.

©2023 Oxford University Press (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

An immersive, inspiring biography

This book centers around the legendary drummer Chick Webb and his inspiring rise as a band leader. However, through this story you get a fascinating glimpse of swing and jazz history.

The author weaves many first hand accounts of life from that era, painting a compelling and immersive picture of the Harlem Renaissance. I thoroughly enjoyed it!!