Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life

What a great book about a great musician. I grew up around jazz music but only really began to fully appreciate it as an adult. In the past few years I've made it a point to read about the jazz greats as much as possible. (My all time favorites are Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk). Admittedly I've always misunderstood Louis Armstrong. I thought that he was a bit of a sell out with his wide eyed grin (which in my youth I labeled in a most unflattering way). But thanks to educating myself, this is not true at all. He was a man who deeply honored and respected who he was and where he came from. To this day no one can touch his artistry and innovation. I enjoy listening to his recordings especially with the history of them, which this book presents so well.

It was a gift, so I haven't read it but, looking through it the book appeared to be in good cdition.

This book falls into the usual cliché's associated with Louis Armstrong. Up until the late 30's early 40's this is a very detailed book on Louis's life, and from that point should be highly recommended; however it loses interest around there, as if Louis's work (and life) beyond that appears deemed insignificant, or of lesser quality and therefore brushed over in a relatively short part of the book in comparison.So only read if you intend to read further about Louis (Ricky Riccardi's What a Wonderful World; The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Years makes a good companion) but disappointing as a stand alone book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Unlike many other biographies which are sometimes boring lists of events, this was written almost like a novel. It was lively, colourful and extremely interesting (that might be because I was once a professional musicial myself!) I recommend this book for anyone interested in the birth of jazz, racism in America at the beginning of the 20th century and what it was like for black musicians in those times.

One of the truly great men of music off all time.

A very interesting read about an excellent musician. If you like reading about famous people you will like this book.

Great read, book title explains contents

Great priceand quck delivery