Louis Jordan (1908-75) is the acknowledged father of rhythm and blues, the jazz saxophonist and vocalist whose inventiveness acted as a bridge between jazz and rhythm and blues, paving the way for Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, James Brown, and countless others.
By combining the music of his rural African-American heritage with the sophisticated sounds of nightclub bands, Jordan produced a unique style. His inspired vocals, blending the humor and pathos of his upbringing, soon won him a huge following. Jordan and his Tympany Five made a string of bestselling records that included Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby, Caldonia, and Choo Choo Ch'Boogie. Posthumously, Jordan's name has reached a new audience via the Broadway show Five Guys Named Moe.
Singer-saxophonist Louis Jordan was the pivotal figure in the development of what would become known as rhythm and blues, and an important influence on such future stars as B. B. King, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, James Brown, and Bill Haley....This biography, complete with a thoughtful analysis of all the musician's numerous recordings, goes a long way toward restoring Jordan's rightful place among the major musical figures of the century. --Express Books
. . . Chilton tells fascinating stories of the swinging 'battles' between big bands and the struggles of touring in the South, still very segregated during Jordan's heyday. Here, as in his biographies of Coleman Hawkins and Sidney Bechet, Chilton demonstrates that he may be the most meticulous of jazz biographers. --Booklist
John Chilton has, once again, given us an exemplary biography of a jazzman.... [A] fascinating read.... --JazzTimes
John Chilton is the author of several books on jazz, including the Who's Who of Jazz.