[ebooks] Becoming Beautiful: Ballroom Dance in the American Heartland by Joanna Bosse in Arts-Photography

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A beautifully told story about a most worthy subjectBy Customer"Back in the day" I played drums in several rock/RB bands. Only much later did I realize how much I was learning then from Earl Palmer. The man was EVERYWHERE in 50s through 70s rock; to say nothing of TV themes and movie sound tracks. This book brings it all home. Tony Scherman carries this project off with great skill and feeling. He writes in third-person when sketching in background; then switches to first-person for long sections in which Earl is telling the story; obviously taken from extensive recorded interviews.I expected this to be a book primarily about Palmers heyday as a first-call studio drummer in Los Angeles. But no; Scherman takes it back to Palmers early childhood in New Orleans; painting an exquisitely detailed portrait of a life and upbringing that few readers have ever experienced or could scarcely imagine. He takes us with Palmer to Europe during World War II and relates a hilarious tale framed by the most deplorable racism.Throughout; one aspect of Palmers personality that shines through is his ability to take poverty; hardship; racism; and stellar success all in stride. He took life as it came at him while summoning his inborn talents to become one of the most successful studio musicians of the 20th century. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I came away with vastly increased respect and admiration for Earl Palmer.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is a great read and means even more for us since this ...By PauliceaThis is a bio of my kids great-grandfather. I bought a copy for both of them so they can see more history of him from what the family has already told them about him. My son who is 13 now has been drumming on everything in the house since he was able to hold something in his hand to beat on something. Their grandfather and his brother are professional drummers so only naturally should I expect my son to become one. This is a great read and means even more for us since this is family.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of the greatest and most prolific drummers in historyBy Doc HollidayOne of the greatest and most prolific drummers in history. Palmers story is a very interesting look at the life of a musician from the days when segregation ruled up through modern popular music. It coincides with Americas history from a time when racism was a part of every institution through our continuing evolution toward overcoming prejudice in all walks of American life. Music has led the way; but its still a work in progress; to be sure. This autobiography is a great read; even if you are not a musician or a music historian.