Jazz: America's Gift Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2015

Happy 117th Birthday, George Gershwin

September 26, 2015 by Jazz: America's Gift 72 Comments

Let ’Em Eat Cake (1933)

“What is the voice of the American soul? It is jazz . . .”

—George Gershwin

George—close your eyes and make a wish! Now BLOW!—Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear George. Happy Birthday to you.

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“[H]istoric facts and figures about jazz with a fairly complete survey of its origins in slave songs, spirituals, minstrel shows, and Storyville flesh dens, as well as a chronicle of the rise of New Orleans trumpeter Louis Armstrong.” —Publishers Weekly (BookLife)

"It’s interesting to learn that Gershwin’s folk opera, Porgy and Bess, was initially a financial failure, and Gerber also delves into other aspects of Gershwin’s life, including his dietary habits, his relationships with women, and his love for fine art" -- Kirkus Reviews (recommended review)

"It will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community, and academic library American Music History reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists."
-- The Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch

Jazz: America's Gift Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2015

Let ’Em Eat Cake (1933)

“What is the voice of the American soul? It is jazz . . .”

—George Gershwin

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