Texas Jazz Singer Louise Tobin in the Golden Age of Swing and Beyond a book review by Tam Francis
The Synopsis
Texas Jazz Singer Louise Tobin in the Golden Age of Swing and Beyond (Texas A&M Press May, 2021) by Kevin Edward Mooney is a biography of Texas jazz singer Louise Tobin as part of the Sam Rayburn Series on Rural Life.
Through personal interviews with centenarian (102 at time of publishing), and stunning research, Mooney has created an intimate and thorough chronicle of Tobin’s amazing life journey. As a native Texan, born in Aubrey, Texas, in 1918, she quickly rose to great heights at a young age, traveling with the Benny Goodman Band, also singing with Will Bradley, Bobby Hackett, Harry James (her first husband), Johnny Mercer, Lionel Hampton, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Peanuts Hucko (her second husband), and Fletcher Henderson.
We are taken on the bumpy ride of Tobin’s long career. From her humble beginnings as a Texas jazz singer we are exposed to the glitzy side of the Big Band Jazz Era as she rubs elbows with jazz elite as well as the hardships of being a young woman in a man’s world.
Mooney uses first hand accounts, quotes, and research to create a comprehensive picture of a how Texas jazz singer Louise Tobin came to popularity, yet takes us behind the glamour into Louise’s personal struggles and challenges in an era when women were still considered second-class citizens and ornaments for men, finally finding true joy and blessings in her later years.
Texas Jazz Singer is a compelling story expertly woven by Kevin Edward Mooney offering readers a view of a remarkable life in music, told from the vantage point of the Texas jazz singer who lived it.
Texas Jazz Singer Louise Tobin: What I liked about it
- The insight into the background and the book’s impetus, thrilled that the author met Texas jazz singer Louise Tobin in person.
- How the author presented the story-telling, grounding us in her family, early years, and development.
- The inclusion and pointed arrow of the sexism of the era and how much harder Texas jazz singer Louise Tobin had to work to gain the respect she deserved.
- The addition of jazz quotes and jazz facts that supported the narrative and the community in which Tobin functioned.
- The tumultuous and often sad relationship to Harry James was enlightening and insightful. (so wanted him to be a better man)
- The author does an amazing job bringing to light Tobin’s spunky, feisty personality that immediately endears you to her and has you hooked for the rest of the read.
About Kevin Edward Mooney
Kevin Mooney, Ph.D. (Senior Lecturer, musicology at Texas State University’s School of Music) holds both a bachelor’s degree in music performance (guitar) and a master’s degree in music education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a doctor of philosophy degree in musicology/ethnomusicology from The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Mooney’s current research focuses on jazz history with particular emphasis on the music and careers of vocalist Louise Tobin and clarinetist Peanuts Hucko. Much of his research and writings consider music and identity issues related to American nationalism and southern regionalism.
In addition to articles and reviews published in Journal of the Society for American Music, Grove Dictionary of American Music, 2nd edition, Notes, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, The Journal of Texas Music History, the Bulletin of the Society for American Music, Great Plains Quarterly, The New Mexico Historical Review, and the Handbook of Texas Music, Dr. Mooney authored the Instructor’s Manual for the past four editions of American Music: A Panorama (New York: Thomson-Wadsworth, 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2013). He also currently serves on the editorial boards of the South Central Music Bulletin (College Music Society) and The Journal of Texas Music History (Texas State University).
Favorite Quotes from Texas Jazz Singer Louise Tobin
“Girl singers also known as ‘thrushes,’ ‘chirpies,’ canaries,’ and ‘warblers’ were regarded as an unfortunate concession to commercial taste, and according to many jazz critics of the time, geared primarily toward visual pleasure (seducing the microphone) rather than aural.”
“This club was a very posh club, because there were some very high rollers in Texas, but gambling was illegal. Now, of course, we didn’t know that there was gambling in the back of the club, because we weren’t allowed back there, but there was.”
“Despite the noticeable assertiveness that Louise expressed in declaring her desire to sit in the front seat with Harry, she was still just fifteen years old and fast becoming seduced by Harry’s charm, self-confidence, and maturity.”
“One night, when Dora had fallen asleep in the back seat, Harry leaned over and asked Louise, ‘Do you want to marry me?’ She said, ‘sure.’ She later recalled that if he had asked, ‘Do you want to get a Coke?’ I’d have said, ‘sure.’ As far as I was concerned, I didn’t have to go home.”
“Goodman biographer…rightly notes that Goodman ‘was always conscious of the fact that he was funning first and foremost a dance band.’ ‘Louise Tobin Blues’ was not a dance number. Were the lyrics too confrontationally explicit for commercial later 1930s, mainstream music? ‘LouiseTobin Blues” arguably presents more than a raised fist against the mistreatment of women.“
What I Wanted More Of
- More Texas Louise Tobin Texas jazz singer quotes. I couldn’t get enough of this spunky, scrappy, talented woman and wanted to know her opinion on everything.
- More fluff. More dresses, suits, cars, texture of the era descriptions.
- More jitterbug dancing or description of the dance hall experience and singing experience.
Overall
I am not the most patient reader of biographies and non-fiction, but Texas Jazz Singer Louise Tobin‘s life story and Mooney’s masterful telling of it, kept me hooked and carried me to the end. Jazz aficionados will be especially enamored with all of the background references and researched historical data about the bands’ playlists and musicians.
For anyone who has pride in their Texas natives, digs big band swing jazz, and or admires strong women, this book is for you.
Vintage Enthusiast Rating
Fashion: ♥♥
Music: ♥♥♥♥♥
Dance: ♥
::
Do you like historical magical realism. Have you read any WWII books from the “enemies” perspective? Have you read any of Harmon’s other novels? What do you look for you WWII historical fiction reads?
Tam Francis is a writer, blogger, swing dance teacher, avid vintage collector, and seamstress. She shares her love of this genre through her novels, blog, and short stories. She enjoys hearing from you, sharing ideas, forging friendships, and exchanging guest blogs. For all the Girl in the Jitterbug Dress news, give-aways, events, and excitement, make sure to join her list and like her FB page! Join my list ~ Facebook page
Now that’s a thorough review for an enticing subject. Well done.
Great review of a great book.