No one has had a better seat in the house than George Wein. The legendary impresario has known the most celebrated figures of music in general and jazz in particular--from Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis to Frank Sinatra. As a founder of the Newport Jazz Festival; the Newport Folk Festival; and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; Wein has brought a dazzling spectrum of musicians to millions of fans; forever changing the musical landscape.In this highly praised memoir; Wein looks back on his life and career; describing his unforgettable relationships--sometimes smooth; sometimes tempestuous--with the great musicians he has known. From what really happened when Charlie Mingus visited the White House...to how Miles Davis and the ensemble that would eventually record the greatest jazz album of all time--Kind of Blue--came together at Weins Storyville nightclub...to the day at Newport when Bob Dylan first "went electric;" here are the personalities and forces that have shaped the past half-century of popular music.
#3058214 in eBooks 2008-08-07 2008-08-07File Name: B001GCUGWS
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Fascinating BookBy J. SextonIf you enjoy historic buildings and social history as I do; then this is a fascinating book. I work not far from the district; so I found the book a good introduction to the area. The trees have grown up so much that it is hard to imagine this area being on the edge of town; with prairie beyond.The look at the "normal" childhood during the 1920s-40s was interesting. Many of the people living in the Wolflin area were well off; so the children had more. Children from ranching families would invite friends out for horse riding. Ranching and oil led to supporting businesses; so there are bankers; doctors; and such moving to the area.Now that I have nearly two years spent in Amarillo; the stories have more relevance and I understand them better. Names that I see supporting the arts today are sprinkled through this book. I am glad I have read this book as it has given me background on my adopted home. I wish allowed half stars as I liked the book quite a lot.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great pictures!By Benny BloxomFocused on a few families so a limited scope. Couldve used more detail. Great pictures !0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Sheryl PraterInteresting info in regard to the city I grew up in.
