Leslie Gourse Books
Mahalia Jackson: Queen of Gospel Song
Traces the rise of the famous gospel singer from her early youth in New Orleans to her Chicago-based musical career.
Read MoreBillie Holiday
Relates the story of the Afro-American woman who, despite a turbulent life, became one of the most famous singers in the history of jazz.
Read MoreStriders to beboppers and beyond
Describes the lives and artistry of some of the best-known jazz pianists, traces their influence on one another, and investigates the impact of different innovators on the development of jazz music.
Read MoreSwingers and crooners
Describes the lives of notable jazz singers, traces their influence on one another, and investigates the impact of different innovators on the development of jazz music.
Read MoreDeep down in music
Presents the lives and artistry of notable jazz bassists, traces their influence on one another, and investigates the impact of various innovations on the development of jazz music.
Read MoreTimekeepers
Discusses the role of drumming in jazz and surveys some of the greatest jazz drummers in history, from Warren Baby Dodds and Arthur Zutty Singleton to Tony Williams and Elvin Jones.
Read MoreFancy fretwork
Traces the evolution of the guitar in jazz history and profiles the world's greatest jazz guitarists from the early 1900s to the present.
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