From Publishers Weekly
This first full biography of Hoagy Carmichael (1899-1981), a major jazz singer/songwriter, is a dense labor of love. Sudhalter (Lost Chords: White Musicians and Their Contributions to Jazz) admits to being driven by thoughts of obsolescence: "How quick we are to discard, to expunge what's not immediately relevant to us," he laments. "Surely it wasn't all that long ago that Hoagy Carmichael wise, thoughtful, casual in a grown-up, seen-it-all way was a familiar, even reassuring, presence in our midst." Sudhalter skillfully blends cultural and personal history, demonstrating how growing up in Indiana, a racial and musical crossroads for myriad touring musicians and entertainers, profoundly influenced Carmichael. Sudhalter paints vivid pictures, trying to divine the biographical inspiration for such Carmichael hits as "Ole Buttermilk Sky," "Georgia on My Mind" and "Lazy River." At times, Sudhalter's detailed notes on composition weigh heavily on the narrative. It's hard to imagine that the new audience Sudhalter hopes to entice would derive much pleasure from his scholarly dissections. Thankfully, the stiff bits are drummed between long runs of imaginative exposition. Sudhalter draws from numerous interviews, archival material, recorded music and Carmichael's personal papers to show that the laid-back man at the piano, cigarette dangling from his lips, was, for the most part, image. Carmichael, far from being carefree, embodies the American myth hardworking, self-taught, recognized for his efforts and pushed aside by the next big thing: rock and roll. (Apr.) recordings Stardust Melody, featuring some of Carmichael's most famous songs along with rare and previously unreleased tracks (RCA/Victor, Mar.); Stardust Melody Beloved and Rare Songs, compiled by Sudhalter (Challenge Records, Feb.); and a five-CD set (JSP Records, Apr.).
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Jazz trumpeter and author Sudhalter (Lost Chords) admirably fills a gap in the literature on American popular music with this biography of songwriter and performer Carmichael (1899-1981), whose own had been the only readily available sources of information. Chronicled here are Carmichael's personal life and musical development, from his early years at Indiana University through his time in Florida, New York City, Hollywood, and later Palm Springs, CA. Probably best remembered for writing popular songs (e.g., "Star Dust," "Heart and Soul"), he also played piano and sang, acted in movies, hosted television revues, composed serious music ("Johnny Appleseed Suite"), and painted with varying degrees of success. Sudhalter's entertaining yet straightforward style propels the narrative forward, and the musical examples are a plus. The exhaustive research, including interviews with Carmichael's relatives and colleagues, makes this essential for all popular music, American culture, or Indiana collections. (Photographs not seen.) Barry Zaslow, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
