Mike D.

Well worth the wait

Revisado: 08-22-21

Totally engrossing , not just for the insights regarding Crosby but the ancillary information regarding the workings of the movie and recording industries and the culture at large. I'm 20 hours into this, listening on my laptop. It's an added bonus to be able to listen to this book, pause the narration, go on YouTube, and listen to a given recording sessionthat's being described, as well as watching the trailers for a given film. Before beginning the book I anticipated an offering that might be too detailed and granular, considering it's 700 pages to cover roughly only 5 years in a career. Pleasantly surprised to find this was
not the case. The TV has gotten a much needed rest this weekend thanks to Mr. Giddins' wonderful narrative.

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Barely listenable

Revisado: 02-14-19

Good album that this book attempts to transform into something more than it was. The narration is absolutely awful, reminiscent of Robin Leach breathlessly describing some actress's jewelry collection.

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Nice man, nice story.

Revisado: 03-26-14

Where does Jim Henson rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Somewhere in the middle.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henson himself. It was instructive to read how someone with an almost childlike optimism could not only function, but thrive amidst the corporate sharks.

Which character – as performed by Kirby Heyborne – was your favorite?

Kirby Heyborne's narration is flawless. With a few exceptions he avoids any attempts at outright impersonations of the story's principle characters. His changes in inflection and accents are just enough to convey a particular personality.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

1 or 2 hours a day was sufficient.

Any additional comments?

Making use of YouTube while listening to this book added greatly to its enjoyment. The early efforts, e.g., the Wilkin's Coffee comercials are there, as well as representative samples of all the television and film work over Henson's career. At the end of the book I was please to find that much of the moving NYC Memorial Service was also available for viewing on YouTube. That brought the entire listening experience to a satisfying, and emotional, conclusion.

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Worthy Successor to "Pops"

Revisado: 12-05-13

What did you love best about Duke?

I appreciated Ellington's long career being put in a historical context. The watershed compositions were critically discussed. His relationships with his managers, sidemen, and various recording companies were of interest. His dealing with women and family gave a revealing look into the man, not just the composer/performer.

What other book might you compare Duke to and why?

If you liked the author's autobiography of Louis Armstrong, "Pops", you'll enjoy this latest effort.

What about Peter Francis James’s performance did you like?

Wonderful reading. While not exactly imitating Ellington's voice, the reader does a marvelous job of conveying the Duke's self-promoting erudite air of slickness and urbanity. You get the feeling that you're actually hearing Ellington speak.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

The length precluded listening to it one sitting, but I've already listened to it twice.

Any additional comments?

I confess to being a huge Terry Teachout fan. When I receive my monthly issue of "Commentary" magazine, his column is always the first thing I read.

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