Kevin MooneyTexas Jazz Singer: Louise Tobin in the Golden Age of Swing and Beyond (Volume 25) (Sam Rayburn Series on Rural Life, sponsored by Texas A&M University-Commerce)

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Louise Tobin will soon be 103. She's the last living American jazz musician to have recorded before 1940. Although she rarely gets credited, Louise was the one who inadvertently discovered Frank Sinatra, bringing him to the attention of then-husband Harry James, and the rest is history. For someone who loves original big band music as much as I do, Louise is like a time traveler, allowing me to be "back there". She worked with Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Bobby Hackett, Charlie Christian and a host of other talented jazz musicians from the day. Many thanks to Kevin Mooney for this book. Louise and her music should not be lost to oblivion, for she was an innovator in her own right. Read this book. Check out Louise's recordings with Goodman from 1939. Also go see the Louise Tobin/Peanuts Hucko Collection at Texas A&M Commerce and experience the legacy of 2 great swing era musicians. I hope everyone will get a copy of this book!!!!!

An excellent biography of one of the often underrated singer. The author clearly established a close rapport with Louise which allowed him into her world and the music she loved. Kudos!