Talking Jazz, by Max Jones. W. W. Norton (1988). First American Edition. This is a collection of the author’s most significant interviews with such jazz greats as Eubie Blake, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, Coleman Hawkins, Stephane Grapelli, Zoot Sims, and Joe Venuti. A major source book for jazz scholars and historians. Includes 13 photographs.

Thirty Years with The Big Bands, by Arthur Rollini. University of Illinois Press (1987). Adrian Rollini (brother of Adrian) was a tenor saxophonist who worked with such orchestras as Benny Goodman, the Dorsey brothers, Paul Whiteman and Ray McKinley. His book is an insider’s story of the foremost white swing orchestras of the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Those Swinging Years–The Autobiography of Charlie Barnet with Stanley Dance; Foreword by Billy May. Louisiana State Univ. Press (1984). First Edition. This is the story of Barnet’s life both on and off the bandstand and it includes detailed reference material that jazz scholars and historians will appreciate. Includes a fronticepiece photo of the Barnet orchestra, plus nearly fifty other photos and illustrations.

Tommy & Jimmy—The Dorsey Years, by Herb Sanford, with Introduction by Bing Crosby. Da Capo Press (1980 PB). First paperback edition. The Dorseys were in the vanguard of the Big Band Era, in the front line, and both are remembered for their musical genius. This is an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of two extraordinary musicians and band leaders. Fronticepiece pictures both Dorseys and book includes nearly a hundred B&W photos.

Traps the Drum Wonder—The Life of Buddy Rich, by Mel Torme. Oxford University Press (1991). In this biography of his friend of forty years, Mel Torme tells the story of one of the most famous drummers of the Swing Era. He pulls no punches in describing Rich's occasional outbursts and sometimes childish pranks. Book is packed with vivid and often funny anecdotes.

Willie and Dwike, An American Profile, by William Zinsser. Harper & Row (1984 PB). First Edition Softcover. Portrays the jazz duo of Willie Ruff, (bass and French horn) and pianist Ivory (Dwike) Mitchell, and descries the duos’ relationships with the people who helped them overcome the limitations of their background.

The World of Count Basie, by Stanley Dance. Charles Scribner's Sons (1980 PB). From interviews with more than thirty musicians and vocalists, the author presents not a biography of Basie's life, but a story of his life through the eyes of those he knew and worked with.  Book includes some Basie itineraries, a discography, bio and index.

World of Gene Krupa by Bruce H. Klauber. Pathfinder Pub. (July 1990 PB). Krupa’s story, in his own words; includes 45 B&W photos and a great Appendix: a Krupa Chronology (1909 to his death in 1973), personnel of his bands/groups, filmography and recordings.

"I'm sick and tired of being classed as just a noise maker. I like to think of myself as a creator of sounds!" - Gene Krupa, from the book.
 

The World of Earl Hines, by Stanley Dance. Scribner (1977). First Edition/First Printing. In his own words, famous jazz pianist Earl Hines recalls the story of his phenomenal career and of the different eras of jazz. Illustrated with more than 120 photographs. Includes a Discography and Bibliography.

The World of Jazz, by Rodney Dale. Elseivier-Dutton (1980). Large format; a great introductory book for newcomers to jazz. Has a photographic fronticepiece and photos on nearly every page. Includes 2 appendixes and an index.

Esquire's World of Jazz, Rev. & Updated by George T. Simon. Thomas Y. Crowell (1975). Printed on glossy paper to showcase the most stunning collection of jazz photographs, paintings, and sculpture ever included in one volume. This design-rich anthology covers the whole panorama of jazz from its beginnings to the Seventies, with a discography of the greatest jazz records ever made. Contributors included many famous Jazzmen and photographers.

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Back Issues of Big Band & Jazz Magazines  

I have a few stacks of several magazines, newsletters and tabloid publications relating to big band, jazz and ragtime that date back to the 1970s. Most of these periodicals have been out of print for some time, and back issues don't seem to be available anywhere else on the Web. Click here for a descriptive list of publications, issues, condition notes, prices and shipping options.

Selected CDS from Harry's Collection

I'm keeping most of Harry's collection, but some choice CDs have been listed on Amazon, and others are for sale privately. Click here for a descriptive list of what's available in many categories.