Music Makes Me: Fred Astaire and Jazz

by Todd Decker

Fred one of the great jazz artists of the twentieth century? Astaire is best known for his brilliant dancing in the movie musicals of the 1930s, but in Music Makes Me , Todd Decker argues that Astaire’s work as a dancer and choreographer ―particularly in the realm of tap dancing―made a significant contribution to the art of jazz. Decker examines the full range of Astaire’s work in filmed and recorded media, from a 1926 recording with George Gershwin to his 1970 blues stylings on television, and analyzes Astaire’s creative relationships with the greats, including George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Johnny Mercer. He also highlights Astaire’s collaborations with African American musicians and his work with lesser known professionals―arrangers, musicians, dance directors, and performers.

Genres: Biography

390 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2011

Reviews

[John Gillies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very detailed analysis of the influence of jazz on Fred Astaire's career, primarily focused on his dancing, and how jazz functioned as the bedrock of everything he did.
The author carries on in-depth discussions of all of the major dance pieces from his movies and TV shows and argues for the pervasive influence of jazz and jazz players on his work.
Astaire arrived at just the right time, as the movie musical as a genre was being created, and was able to ride that wave until it ended in 1950s. He was then able to work on movies where the studio musicians were veterans of the swing era, and were able to give him the support he needed, even though the Swing Era had ostensibly ended. And then when that era ended in the late 1950s, he transitioned to TV.
The author notes how Astaire succeeded in a way only a white performer could, but discusses the way Astaire worked as much as was permissible, at the time, with black creators.
This is perhaps really for those interested in the intersection of jazz and Astaire and, for those individuals, it is well worth the read

[Peter M. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling read for anyone interested in Fred Astaire's career. It provides great insight into his artistic inspirations and how he produced his fabulous routines over his many decade career.

[Victor Caamaño · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subject fascinating. Original thesis caught my eye, Astaire as musician. My favorite part was his putting contemporary artists in perspective. Got too wordy after that. It gives the impression of a published doctoral thesis.

[Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting subject, book ok