(Vocals, 1911–85) Big Joe Turner’s tenure as ‘Boss of the Blues’ is dominated by one song, ‘Shake, Rattle And Roll’, which became an early rock’n’roll anthem as recorded by white artists Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. But Turner’s long career and legacy of R&B hits includes boogies like ‘Roll ‘Em Pete’, the seminal blues of ‘Cherry Red’, and rollicking ribald romps like ‘My Gal’s A Jockey’ and ‘Battle Of The Blues’ ...
(Singer-songwriter, 1936–73) Aged 20, New York-born Walden Robert Cassotto’s chart career started with the novelty million-seller, ‘Splish Splash’. Leading The Rinky Dinks, he next charted with ‘Early In The Morning’ (later a hit for Buddy Holly), and in 1957 ‘Queen Of The Hop’ also sold a million. His major breakthrough was 1959’s million-selling ‘Dream Lover’, followed by his Sinatra-esque US/UK No. 1 cover of ‘Mack The Knife’, the first of several ...
Charlie Christian (1916–42) pushed guitar to the forefront of the big-band era, furthering the instrument’s evolution from a provider of acoustic accompaniment to an electrified foreground instrument that could pound out rhythm like a drum set or solo out front like a horn. His playing, in fact, was likened to jazz horn players who were leading the evolution of traditional jazz into a new, modern jazz during the Thirties and ...
(Trumpet, vocals, b. 1939) As rock’n’roll lost its way in the late 1950s, good looks replaced musical ability and Philadelphia-born Francis Avalon became a teen idol via a series of forgettable pop hits like 1959’s million-selling US No. 1, ‘Venus’. Frequent exposure on the American Bandstand TV show produced two dozen US hits by 1962, and Avalon co-starred with Annette Funicello in teenage beach movies, later guesting in 1978’s Grease. Styles & ...
(Vocals, b. 1954) Sharp-suited keyboardist and singer Jackson, from Portsmouth, rode the new wave with quirky love songs such as ‘Is She Really Going Out With Him’, and a varied US Top 20 album Look Sharp (1979). He then reverted to his musical background in jazz. With 1981’s Joe Jackson’s Jumpin’ Jive he updated big band swing. More eclectic albums, Night And Day (1982) and Body And Soul (1984) and a ...
(Vibraphone, 1930–90) Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton’s long career included roles as sideman, bandleader, and cultural force that extended beyond the jazz world. Beginning as a drummer, he switched to vibes at the suggestion of Louis Armstrong, and then broke the colour barrier as a member of Benny Goodman’s legendary big band. Hampton’s own groups melded swing with R&B, and he was instrumental in developing the career of Dinah Washington, as well as ...
(Vocals, b. 1933) Growing up outside New Orleans, Lloyd Price was exposed to music through the jukebox in his mother’s fish-fry joint. At 18, the crossover-ready performer recorded a version of ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ that became a runaway hit and spawned a slew of successful follow-ups. Price’s ‘Stagger Lee’ topped both the R&B and pop lists in 1958. In 1959, his ‘Personality’ was an unapologetic pop success. Price was an able ...
(Bandleader, saxophonist, 1908–75) During the big-band era saxophonist Jordan was burning up the R&B charts with his small group, The Tympany Five. Jordan’s music combined jazz and blues with salty, jive-talking humour. People called the sound ‘jump blues’ or ‘jumpin’ jive’, and from 1942 to 1951, Jordan scored 57 R&B chart hits. Jordan’s best-loved songs include ‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’, ‘Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ and ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’. Bill ...
(Vocals, b. 1975) Canadian crooner Michael Bublé crossed over to the mainstream in the Noughties, going on to sell over 20 million records. Sophomore LP It’s Time (2005) broke into Billboard’s Top 10 before 2007’s Call Me Irresponsible finally reached the top spot. He cemented his success in 2009 when Crazy Love reached No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic, going four times platinum in the UK. Styles & Forms | ...
(Vocals, 1932–63) The late Cline, who died in a plane crash, was Nashville’s queen of the heartbreak ballad who, it was said, could ‘cry on both sides of the microphone’. She was catapulted from obscurity through a performance of her maiden single (and, soon, first hit), ‘Walking After Midnight’, on a TV talent contest in 1957. While the former Virginia Hemsley scored heaviest in Billboard’s C&W charts, she crossed over into ...
(Vocals, 1931–64) With his pure sweet voice, sound business awareness and keen social concerns, Sam Cooke was a key figure in the early development of soul and pop. He was already a star as a member of gospel group The Soul Stirrers when he was sacked in 1956 for releasing a secular solo single. He launched his solo career with a run of exquisite romantic ballads including ‘You Send Me’ and ...
The popularity of jazz hit a peak after the Depression years of 1929–33. By the end of 1934, huge numbers were tuning in to the NBC Radio series Let’s Dance, which broadcast performances by The Xavier Cugat, Kel Murray and Benny Goodman Orchestras. Goodman’s orchestra in particular caught on with the public and created a demand for live performances. When Goodman went on tour in the US, scoring his first big ...
AUTHORITATIVE
An extensive music information resource, bringing together the talents and expertise of a wide range of editors and musicologists, including Stanley Sadie, Charles Wilson, Paul Du Noyer, Tony Byworth, Bob Allen, Howard Mandel, Cliff Douse, William Schafer, John Wilson...
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Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country and more. Flame Tree has been making encyclopaedias and guides about music for over 20 years. Now Flame Tree Pro brings together a huge canon of carefully curated information on genres, styles, artists and instruments. It's a perfect tool for study, and entertaining too, a great companion to our music books.
David Bowie
Fantastic new, unofficial biography covers
his life, music, art and movies, with a
sweep of incredible photographs.