Overview

In this volume, dancer, award-winning choreographer, show producer, stand-up comedienne, TV/film actress and author Norma Miller shares her historical memoir of Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom and the phenomenal music and dance craze that spread the power of swing across the world. A dance contest winner by the age of 14, Norma Miller became a member of Herbert White's Lindy Hoppers and a celebrated Savoy Ballroom Lindy Hop champion. This memoir chronicles a significant period in American cultural history and race relations, as it glorifies the home of Lindy Hop and the birthplace of memorable dance hall fads. Miller shares anecdotes about her youthful encounters with many of the greatest jazz legends in music history, including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, and even boxer Joe Louis.

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9781566398497

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Reviews

This is an important book, bringing some much-overdue attention to the swing dancers who along with the musicians defined the era. -Robert Tate, Jazz Now A refreshing look at the history of swing dancing is Swingin' at the Savoy... Miller has not only created an entertaining history of swing, but more importantly, gives the reader a sense of the personalities of people and places most have only heard of. The book is unique as a humorous autobiography, full of youthful antics and charm. Delightful anecdotes and photos of big bands give us a view of swing music and its popularity in a real world aspect different than most music historians today. -Lance Benishek, Dancing USA

This is an important book, bringing some much-overdue attention to the swing dancers who along with the musicians defined the era. --Robert Tate, Jazz Now A refreshing look at the history of swing dancing is Swingin' at the Savoy... Miller has not only created an entertaining history of swing, but more importantly, gives the reader a sense of the personalities of people and places most have only heard of. The book is unique as a humorous autobiography, full of youthful antics and charm. Delightful anecdotes and photos of big bands give us a view of swing music and its popularity in a real world aspect different than most music historians today. --Lance Benishek, Dancing USA

Author Information

Norma Miller began her career as a choreographer by forming the Norma Miller Jazz Dancers and appeared in Olsen and Johnson's Broadway stage production of Helizapoppin' for five years. In addition to being a stand-up comedienne, Miller has made numerous TV appearances, including the CBS Movie Stompin' at the Savoy, which earned her an Emmy nomination for choreography. She has also performed in the films A Day at the Races, Maicolm X, and Captiva, and has been the subject of many documentaries, including National Geographic's Explorer and the Smithsonian jazz series on national radio. Evette Jensen is a freelance writer.

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