Philadelphia Jazz is a visual treasure trove of the city’s incredibly rich jazz history—the musicians, clubs and concert halls, and organizations that made Philadelphia one of the nation’s most dynamic jazz centers for much of the twentieth century.
—Jack McCarthy, jazz writer and archivist
Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz Chronicles the City's Influential Music Scene
A new book titled Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz by authors Suzanne Cloud, PhD and Diane Turner, PhD, with a foreword by jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford, offers an unprecedented visual journey through Philadelphia's vibrant jazz history. This 128-page volume is a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and Philadelphia history buffs alike. The book traces the evolution of jazz in Philadelphia from its roots in 19th-century Black orchestras to its pivotal role in shaping 20th century American jazz. Through a carefully curated collection of photographs and stories, readers will discover:
Dr. Suzanne Cloud, Project Director of the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, brings her extensive knowledge and passion for preserving the city's jazz heritage to this work. Co-author Dr. Diane Turner lends her expertise as a scholar of African American history, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Philadelphia's jazz community. “This book is a testament to the immense contributions that Philadelphia's jazz community has made to America's musical landscape," said Dr. Cloud. “We hope it will inspire readers to explore and appreciate the rich cultural legacy of our city.”
Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz is available for purchase at some local bookstores, online retailers, and directly from Arcadia Publishing. However, if you buy from the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, you will be directly supporting the establishment of a permanent jazz archive as part of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University.
For more information or to inquire about a review copy, please contact: Suzanne Cloud at [email protected].
A new book titled Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz by authors Suzanne Cloud, PhD and Diane Turner, PhD, with a foreword by jazz trumpeter Terell Stafford, offers an unprecedented visual journey through Philadelphia's vibrant jazz history. This 128-page volume is a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and Philadelphia history buffs alike. The book traces the evolution of jazz in Philadelphia from its roots in 19th-century Black orchestras to its pivotal role in shaping 20th century American jazz. Through a carefully curated collection of photographs and stories, readers will discover:
- The influence of the Great Migration on Philadelphia's jazz scene;
- Profiles of legendary musicians who started their careers in the city, including Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane;
- Homegrown talent that contributed to the celebrated “Philly sound," such as McCoy Tyner and Jimmy Heath.
“Philadelphia Jazz is a candle in the darkness. Through a collection of iconic photographs annotated by Suzanne Cloud and Diane Turner, it is the first book that unapologetically presents the sweeping panorama of the music in Philadelphia from the marching and dance bands before the Civil War to the ragtime of the turn of the century, through the swing bands of the 1920s-1940s through the emergence of small-group bebop and hard bop beginning with the 1940s, and on into the new millennium. The book gives a lively and intriguing sense of a city burning to be known for its contribution to the American-born music called jazz.”
Dr. Suzanne Cloud, Project Director of the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, brings her extensive knowledge and passion for preserving the city's jazz heritage to this work. Co-author Dr. Diane Turner lends her expertise as a scholar of African American history, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Philadelphia's jazz community. “This book is a testament to the immense contributions that Philadelphia's jazz community has made to America's musical landscape," said Dr. Cloud. “We hope it will inspire readers to explore and appreciate the rich cultural legacy of our city.”
Images of America: Philadelphia Jazz is available for purchase at some local bookstores, online retailers, and directly from Arcadia Publishing. However, if you buy from the Philadelphia Jazz Legacy Project, you will be directly supporting the establishment of a permanent jazz archive as part of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University.
For more information or to inquire about a review copy, please contact: Suzanne Cloud at [email protected].
