Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews was born January 2. He is a trombone player that fuses rock, jazz, pop, hip-hop and funk into his music. I had the opportunity/privilege to hear when he performed at one our library conferences in New Orleans. He was fabulous then and continues to be fabulous now.
He wrote two books about his life and career: https://www.tromboneshorty.com/books
Born December 30, 1928, guitarist and singer Bo Diddley transitioned from the blues to rock and roll. Two books about him:
Book 1: Bo Diddley: Living Legend
Book 2 (a children’s book): Bo Diddley Rock & Roll All Star
Dionne Warwick celebrated her 85th birthday Friday, December 12. Belated birthday wishes!
Her autobiography:
Sammy Davis Jr. was born December 8. Three notable books about him: two autobiographies and one biography.
Book 1: Yes I Can!
Book 2: Why Me?
Book 3: In Black and White by Wil Haygood
Belated birthday wishes to Willie Mae (Big Mama) Thornton, who in 1952, recorded the song “Hound Dog” that was later recorded by Elvis Presley. Two books were written about this pioneer singer.
Book 1: Big Mama Thornton: The Life and Music by Michael Spörke
Book 2: Why Willie Mae Thornton Matters by Lynnee Denise
December 5 was Little Richard’s birthday. Two books were written about the musician’s life, music, and his influence.
Book 1: The Life and Times of Little Richard: The Authorized Biography by Charles White.
Book 2: The Big Life of Little Richard by Mark Ribowsky
Two books about Donny Hathaway, whose classic song “This Christmas” is played and song throughout the holiday season.
Book 1: Donny Hathaway’s Donny Hathaway Live by Emily J. Lordi
Book 2: Winners Have Yet to be Announced by Ed Pavlic
This Throwback Thursday is featuring books written about historical musicians and operas.
Book 1: This beautifully written and illustrated story is about a father’s passion for baseball and a boy’s passion for violin/music.
Book 2: Aida by Leontyne Price
Book 3: Before There Was Mozart by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Famous African Americans born on August 15:
Oscar Peterson, Canadian jazz pianist and composer:
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/oscar-peterson-mn0000489316
http://www.npr.org/2008/05/16/17622315/oscar-peterson-on-piano-jazz
http://jazz-piano.org/pianists/oscar-peterson/
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/oscar-peterson/
Vernon Jordan, lawyer and civil rights leader: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/jordan-vernon-e-1935
http://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/vernon-e-jordan-jr
Maxine Waters, Congresswoman:
https://waters.house.gov/about-maxine/biography
Anna Marie Woodbridge, better known as Abbey Lincoln, was born on this day: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0511085/bio
http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/abbey-lincoln-576.php
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/abbey-lincoln-mn0000487535/biography
http://www.npr.org/2010/08/17/129255992/abbey-lincoln-the-power-of-voice
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 