[.ca] Just for a Thrill: Lil Hardin Armstrong, First Lady of Jazz (ISBN 0815411952)

a missed opportunity:
As a lifelong jazz researcher, I was indeed thrilled when I discovered the first attempt at a Lil Hardin-Armstrong bio, but I must say that this one was a disappointment. Resources for jazz research are richer than they have ever been and jazz history books are finally starting to rise to the level of quality scholarship. but that is not evident here. The author seems to have assembled much of the previously published information on Lil, drawn some odd conclusions (exposing a lack of knowledge of early jazz music) and left it at that. Lil was a significant presence in the 1920's Chicago scene and in the life of her second husband, Louis; she was a fine composer and an above-average instrumentalist. She most certainly did not, as the author suggests, write out Louis' magnificent introduction to West End Blues! There is also a strange, and somewhat unfair characterization of Louis Armstrong in this book. While much is made of Louis' infidelities, little or nothing is mentioned of Lil's (which have been documented elsewhere). Such inconsistencies damage the credibility of the book. I love Lil Armstrong's music, and I wish that there was a better biography of her out there. She certainly deserves better!

Lil would have hated this flawed effort.:
This ranks among the most shallow, factually incorrect jazz biographies I have read. As someone who knew Lil Armsrong well, I was struck by how far off the mark this alleged portrait of her is. The author hasn't a clue when it comes to Lil's personality, the fabric of her life, and her place in jazz. Lil deserves better than this hack job, which I gave one star because none is not an option.

Lil Hardin's impressive musical career:
Just For A Thrill: Lil Hardin Armstrong, First Lady Of Jazz by James L. Dickerson is the energetic, informative and compelling biography of Lillian "Lil" Hardin (1898-1971), one of the most sought-after female jazz pianists in Chicago in her day and the wife of Louis Armstrong until their divorce in 1938. Lil Hardin's impressive musical career, trailblazing achievements and exciting love of music are all recorded in this first-class biography. Just For A Thrill is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended contribution to the growing library of biographies and memoirs of the men and women who significantly contributed to the development of jazz -- America's unique contribution to the world of music.

Dickerson's JUST FOR A THRILL:
James L. Dickerson focuses upon Lillian 'Lil' Hardin as a highly educated, multi-talented, and prestigious individual from stardom in the early part of the Twentieth Century--when it was not "cool" to be both a black female and a vocalist/instrumental- ist--to her last recording. The biographer depicts Lil as one who was willing to neglect opportunities that would foster her own additional success in order to promote her husband, Louis Arm- strong in his musical endeavors as a soloist and instrumentalist. The conflicts in management, the shifts from city to city, and the rocky marriage, which eventually involved "the other woman," took a toll on the relationship between Lil and Louis. However, as Dickerson vividly emphasizes, Lil never lost her love for her musical soulmate, with whom she nurtured their only child--jazz.

Amazing Woman:
Lil Armstrong has got to be the most amazing woman in American music history. From reading this book, I learned things about jazz history that I did not know. I never realized how dependent Louis Armstrong was on his wife for his success. Not only did she write his early songs, she shaped him into the world-class performer that he became in later years. I was also surprised to learn how sleazy the music busness was in those days. The author does an excellent job of documenting the birth of jazz in an atmosphere of crime and racial intolerance. Lil was victimized her entire life. Especially despicable is a certain man who took advantage of her good nature and her artistic talent. What he did to Lil is awful. If you are not moved by this story, you are not human. Great book....so when is the movie coming out?