Akron Public Library

Hailing from the Trem©Øe neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.

Also known as 'Satchmo,' Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. As a trumpet player and singer, Armstrong brought his musical talent to fans around the world. During his lifetime he broke down racial barriers and showed that people of all colors can work together to achieve great things. Celebrate Black History Month all year long! Our highly acclaimed Journey to Freedom series provides comprehensive information...

A landmark biography that reclaims Ella Fitzgerald as a major American artist and modernist innovator.

Biography of a poor boy from New Orleans who became a jazz musician who is beloved around the world.

Presents a biography and examines some of the legends surrounding the famous jazz musician and entertainer, who learned to play the cornet in the Waif's home in New Orleans, escaping poverty and going on to have a recording of "Hello Dolly" top the Beatles on the charts.

A one-hundredth birthday tribute to the late jazz artist explores his observations about humanity's discriminatory and violent behaviors as well as his efforts to forge world peace through music with the Sun Ra Arkestra.

Focuses on the late years of Nina Simone, a legendary African American jazz singer and songwriter, as she struggles with alcoholism, financial and mental problems, but with the help of her manager is able to return to her successful singing career.

"Dive into the celebrated life of Lady Day with this fully-illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of Billie Holiday's rapid--and, at times, grueling--rise to become one of the best musicians who ever lived. From her days as a young entertainer performing for small jazz clubs in Harlem, to headlining sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall, every trouble and triumph of Billie Holiday's bold, influential career is featured in this graphic novel from...