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Clap your hands for Viola Smith—the pioneering female drummer at the heart of this bright and rhythmic biography, who rat-tat-tat-bang-crash-clink-boomed for nearly a century. Five girls played together in the Smith Sisters Orchestra: Irene on trombone, Erma on vibraphone, Edwina on trumpet, Mildred on violin, and Lila on saxophone. But what of the littlest sister? When Viola’s time came, almost every instrument was taken . . . except one. When she first sat behind a drum kit, she lost the beat...

What happens when you invite as many jazz musicians as you can to pose for a photo in 1950s Harlem? Playful verse and glorious artwork capture an iconic moment for American jazz. When Esquire magazine planned an issue to salute the American jazz scene in 1958, graphic designer Art Kane pitched a crazy idea: how about gathering a group of beloved jazz musicians and photographing them? He didn’t own a good camera, didn’t know if any musicians would show up, and insisted on setting up the shoot in...

New York City’s desegregated Palladium Ballroom springs to life with a diverse 1940s cast in this jazzy picture-book tribute to the history of mambo and Latin jazz. Millie danced to jazz in her Italian neighborhood. Pedro danced to Latin songs in his Puerto Rican neighborhood. It was the 1940s in New York City, and they were forbidden to dance together . . . until first a band and then a ballroom broke the rules. Machito and His Afro-Cubans hit the scene with a brand-new sound, blending jazz tr...

Meet Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most influential jazz singers of all time. This mini biography charts Ella's life, from her early singing days in Harlem, to her success as a jazz legend, with the message: 'It's not where you come from, but where you're going that counts'.

This series meets National Curriculum Standards for: Social Studies: Culture

Ella Fitzgerald sang the blues and she sang them good. Ella and her fellas were on the way up! It seemed like nothing could stop her, until the biggest club in town refused to let her play… and all because of her colour. But when all hope seemed lost, little did Ella imagine that a Hollywood star would step in to help. This is the incredible true story of how a remarkable friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was born – and how they worked together to overcome prejudice and adver...

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the sizzling jazz greats of the twentieth century with this engaging nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress. DK Super Readers Level 4: History of Jazz will introduce kids to the history of this unique music and is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading. DK Super Readers take children on a journey throu...

Help your child power up their reading skills and learn all about the sizzling jazz greats of the twentieth century with this engaging nonfiction reader carefully leveled to help children progress. DK Super Readers Level 4: History of Jazz will introduce kids to the history of this unique music and is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading. DK Super Readers take children on a journey throu...

All aboard! This noisy train is leaving the station! Every car on the 56” fold-out train celebrates a different style of music, along with the instruments and styles that make it so unique. Jam with the jazz cats in one train car, break dance with the rappers on another, and belt with the opera soprano on another! With hilarious characters you just might recognize and clever details for young readers to spot, this book-and-toy combination is sure to be a hit with both music lovers and young list...

This groovy, bebopping, music picture book biography chronicles legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins's search for inspiration on the Williamsburg Bridge after quitting the jazz scene in 1959. Rollins is one of the most prolific sax players in the history of jazz, but, in 1959, at the height of his career, he vanished from the jazz scene. His return to music was an interesting journey--with a long detour on the Williamsburg Bridge. Too loud to practice in his apartment, Rollins played on the...