Woody Herman: Chronicles of the Herds (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Audree Coke Kenton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This comprehensive, entertaining history follows the long career of bandleader, clarinetist and saxophonist Herman (1913-1987) and his Herds, as his successive bands were called. Clancy, archivist of the Woody Herman bands, helped by Kenton, widow of bandleader Stan Kenton, covers each band's organization, chronicling the comings and goings of the musicians and the particulars of every performance and recording. The text consists mainly of lengthy quotations from band members, Herman's daughter Ingrid and Herman himself. These personal recollections, full of amusing anecdotes and tales of high jinks in which the fun-loving Herman often participated, provide glimpses into the inner workings of the bands and say much about the character of a bandleader who was both taskmaster and father figure to his musicians--a loyal friend with such a big heart that he couldn't bring himself to condemn the manager who left him owing nearly $1.5 million to the IRS in back taxes. Indispensable for jazz lovers. Photos.

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

In a career that spanned half a century, Woody Herman thrilled generations of jazz lovers around the world. He was one of the premier bandleaders of the swing and bebop eras, with dozens of famous recordings. His story is a fifty year history of jazz music and culture. Drawing on the memories of musicians and entertainers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Quincy Jones and Dinah Shore, as well as on extensive interviews with Herman himself and with many key members of his ensembles, this book is a fascinating history of the life and times of this famous clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Schirmer Books (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028704967
• ISBN-13: 978-0028704968
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #738,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books about jazz musicians, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

I can't believe that this book is not reveiwed. As a big band trumpet player for twenty five years it provided insight into not just Woody Herman,but the musicians that played on his band . That's what this book is really about. The life of being on the road with a big band. I could relate as I've been their and if you read this book you can live it to. The book is written by the alumni of the band as a kind of tribute to the man who created the band that played the blues. Its' more anecdotes then a actual biography.