A Biography of Charlie Christian, Jazz Guitar's King of Swing (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music) [Hardcover]

Wayne E. Goins (Author), Craig R. Mckinney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0773460918 | ISBN-13: 978-0773460911

This is a biography on the career of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, who was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma during the Depression era in the Southwestern region of the United States. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the details surrounding the events that shaped Christian's musical development, beginning with his early influences of 'Territory bands' and 'western swing' groups. The book documents Christian's performances in the urban area of Oklahoma City on Second Street, better known as 'Deep Deuce', as well as his travels with both Anna Mae Winburn and the Alphonso Trent Orchestra. Christian's discovery by producer John Hammond led to Christian's membership in the Benny Goodman Sextet in August of 1939. The book also chronicles Christian's most significant radio broadcasts, live performances, and recordings for Columbia Records, and also includes facts regarding Christian's pioneering guitar style during the early 1940's, as his performances at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem represented the connection between swing and bebop. The biography finally uncovers details into Christian's private life, and his untimely death during the apex of the Goodman era. "...ground-breaking work, . ..provide[s] a most intriguing account of guitarist Charles Henry Christian's contributions to swing and early bebop."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"More than sixty years after his sadly premature death, Charlie Christian still has a devoted following worldwide... his influence was immense. Every jazz guitarist after him took him as an initial model, and these include Barney Kessel, Tiny Grimes, Jimmey Raney, and even Wes Montgomery and George Benson.... The result [of the authors' collaboration] is the first in-depth biography of Christian. Written in a thoroughly engaging style, it offers interviews with friends and family members never heard from before. Clear-headed in their search for truth, the authors correct many misconceptions about Christian's life and music." - Lewis Porter, Associate Professor of Music, Rutgers University-Newark"

Product Details

• Hardcover: 417 pages
• Publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr (September 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773460918
• ISBN-13: 978-0773460911
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,833,415 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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