Rhythm Man: Chick Webb and the Beat that Changed America

The first comprehensive biography of the Swing Era's pioneering virtuoso drummer and bandleader

William  Henry "Chick" Webb (1905-39) was one of the first virtuoso drummers in  jazz and an innovative bandleader dubbed the "Savoy King," who reigned  at Harlem's world-famous Savoy Ballroom. Along with the likes of Duke  Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Cab Calloway, Webb helped create the  popular dance and music culture, known as Swing, that swept the United  States during and after the Great Depression and left an indelible  impact on American culture. Having moved to Harlem from Baltimore during  the Harlem Renaissance, Webb's creativity, charisma and persistence  enabled him to navigate the harsh realities of racism and show business,  lifting not only himself to stardom but also bringing other future  legends-namely vocalist extraordinaire Ella Fitzgerald and R&B  trailblazer Louis Jordan-along with him. But at the peak of his fame, at  just 34 years of age, his life was cut short by the chronic spinal  tuberculosis that had left him four feet tall with a hump on his back.

In  this first comprehensive biography of Webb, author Stephanie Stein  Crease traces his story in full, showing how his skills and innovations  as a bandleader helped catalyze the music of the Swing Era and the  growing big band industry, allowing Webb to become one of the most  influential musicians in jazz history. Crease explores Webb's personal  and professional struggles as he rose to the top of the increasingly  competitive world of big band jazz.

Complete with rare  photographs, posters, news clippings, and a discography, this biography  will be a gift to jazz aficionados and scholars.