International Sweethearts of Rhythm - by Antoinette D Handy (Paperback)

About the Book

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a popular women's jazz band of the 1940s, has earned a reputation as the 'best all-women's swing band ever to perform.' This revised and updated edition is the most comprehensive and objective history of the band to date.

Book Synopsis

The International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a popular women's jazz band of the 1940s, has earned a reputation as the 'best all-women's swing band ever to perform.' This revised and updated edition is the most comprehensive and objective history of the band to date.

Review Quotes

...examines, very interestingly, the state of race issues over the course of both the school's and the band's life...a good guide to an often overlooked part of Jazz history.

...[author] continues her impressive and valuable abilities in documenting the history of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm...We the intended audience are indebted to her for this well researched, extensive and unbiased book.

Handy has painstakingly dug up an immeasurable wealth of information (both ubiquitous and virtually unknown) from printed sources as well as personal letters and conversations to effectively document the trials and tribulations of this amazing orchestra...Handy's passion for her work clearly permeates her writing and this book will undoubtedly serve as a useful tool for those wishing to learn more about this phenomenal, all-female group...Handy has created a great resource here...

Ms. Handy masterfully details the group's history and how it challenged racial, social and musical boundaries. A wealth of rare photographs, excerpts from vintage trade papers, and quotes from the Sweethearts help tell the story.

About the Author

D. Antoinette Handy (1931-2002) was a flutist, music educator, and arts administrator. She was a humanities Fellow at the University of North Carolina and Duke University. She retired as Director of the Music Program, National Endowment for the Arts. Her previous Scarecrow Press books are Black Women in American Bands and Orchestras and Black Conductors.