That Swingin' Sound!
The Musical Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
This rhythmic read-aloud picture book biography that’s “as dynamic as it is informative” (BCCB, starred review) dances through the musical childhoods of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, their rise to stardom, and the friendship that kept them swingin’.
Ella Fitzgerald loved to dance. When little Ella heard jazz music, the music notes moved her legs as she twirled around New York City. Way down south, Louis Armstrong loved to sing. When jazz music played, young Louis’s voice rumbled like a steam train in New Orleans. While Ella dreamed of dancing on stage and Louis of being a famous singer, it wasn’t until they switched things up that they became famous, Ella for singing and Louis playing the trumpet.
The two jazz musicians had heard of each other, but never had a chance to meet. Until one magical night when they took the stage together, the music started to swing, and a lifelong musical friendship was born.
This true story about world-renowned jazz artists Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s musical partnership is a testament to the power of dreams, music, and friendship to help us all keep playing on.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Rajan and Daley celebrate a legendary duo, Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) and Louis Armstrong (1901–1971), whose musical chemistry "would push and pull, push and pull. Until the music notes started to swing." The creators trace the figures' distinct paths into music—Fitzgerald's from Harlem, where she long yearned to perform at the Apollo, and Armstrong's from New Orleans, where he "sang like a steam train thundering along the tracks." As adults, Armstrong played the trumpet across the U.S. while Fitzgerald performed in New York City. Their eventual meeting at the Hollywood Bowl marks a moment rendered as pivotal in dynamic text and electric-hued illustrations that echo the rhythm and energy of their collaboration. It's a lively introduction to two icons whose friendship helped shape American music. Creators' notes conclude. Ages 4–8.
