Musical performance on brass instruments has blossomed in the 20th century because of technical improvements in horn making, a vastly increased literature, and an astonishing number of outstanding players. Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, and Doc Severinsen have become household names, and classical musicians such as Maurice Andre, Christian Lindberg, and Barry Tuckwell have pursued distinguished careers as soloists. Twentieth-Century Brass Soloists analyzes and celebrates nearly one hundred brass soloists who have performed and been recorded widely, and whose genius, technique, and style have combined to produce unforgettable moments in music.

When pressed to name the most influential musician of the 20th century, many music historians will name Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Born in New Orleans in 1901 and recording into the 1970s, Armstrong is known as the father of jazz, the one figure most credited with moving the Western world from the age of classical music and Tin Pan Alley pop standards into an exciting new era of swing and hot jazz. Michael Meckna's book is the authoritative reference on Armstrong. Alphabetically arranged entries give detailed information on the many aspects of Armstrong's life and music. An appendix of CD releases includes entries that detail the record company, date of issue, song list, and performer list. Other appendices include a chronology, a list of movies, and a resource guide to "Satchmo on the Web"; a bibliography offers yet another useful tool for fans and students of Armstrong's life and music. A selection of black-and-white photos completes the volume. Sample entries: "Accentuate the Positive"; "Adam and Eve Had the Blues"; "After You've Gone"; "Ain't It the Truth"; "Ain't Misbehavin'"; "Alabamy Bound"; "Alexander's Rag Time Band"; "Alligator Crawl"; "Ba-Ba-Bo-ZET!"; Back o' Town; Bailey, Buster; Bailey, Calvin; Bailey, Pearl (May); Baker, Josephine; Balanchine, George; Baldwin, James; Bankhead, Tallulah; Baraka, Amiri.

When pressed to name the most influential musician of the 20th century, many music historians will name Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. Born in New Orleans in 1901 and recording into the 1970s, Armstrong is known as the father of jazz, the one figure most credited with moving the Western world from the age of classical music and Tin Pan Alley pop standards into an exciting new era of swing and hot jazz. Michael Meckna's book is the authoritative reference on Armstrong. Alphabetically arranged entries give detailed information on the many aspects of Armstrong's life and music. An appendix of CD releases includes entries that detail the record company, date of issue, song list, and performer list. Other appendices include a chronology, a list of movies, and a resource guide to "Satchmo on the Web"; a bibliography offers yet another useful tool for fans and students of Armstrong's life and music. A selection of black-and-white photos completes the volume. Sample entries: "Accentuate the Positive"; "Adam and Eve Had the Blues"; "After You've Gone"; "Ain't It the Truth"; "Ain't Misbehavin'"; "Alabamy Bound"; "Alexander's Rag Time Band"; "Alligator Crawl"; "Ba-Ba-Bo-ZET!"; Back o' Town; Bailey, Buster; Bailey, Calvin; Bailey, Pearl (May); Baker, Josephine; Balanchine, George; Baldwin, James; Bankhead, Tallulah; Baraka, Amiri.