This text illuminates the lives major figures in jazz history. From Louis Armstrong's renegade style trumpet playing to Frank Sinatra's intimate crooning. The author, Giddins maintains, contrary to the opinion of most jazz enthusiasts, that Armstrongs voice was as much an integral part of creating jazz singing as his trumpet was to creating jazz. Tributes to the great jazz singers are also included. Billie Holiday profoundly impacted music history, and Giddins eloquently honours her gutted voice, drawled phrasing, and wayworn features. Many artists, such as Irving Berlin and Rosemary Clooney, have been traditionally dismissed by fans and critics as merely popular derivatives of true jazz.