Jerome Kern: His Life and Music

Gerald Bordman's biography chronicles the life and career of composer Jerome Kern from his early days in New York through his success on Broadway and in Hollywood. The book follows Kern's development as a musician and songwriter during the evolution of American musical theater in the early 20th century. The narrative provides details about Kern's major works, including Show Boat, through extensive research and historical documentation. Bordman examines Kern's collaborations with lyricists and librettists, his working methods, and the creation of his most significant compositions. This biography places Kern's music in the context of American cultural history and the transformation of popular entertainment from the 1910s through the 1940s. The book analyzes how Kern's sophisticated musical style helped elevate the artistic status of American theater music and influenced generations of composers who followed.

Readers describe this biography as thorough but dry, providing extensive coverage of Kern's music and career while lacking engaging personal details. Positives: - Detailed analysis of Kern's musical compositions and techniques - Comprehensive chronology of his Broadway shows - Strong research and documentation of historical facts - In-depth coverage of Kern's contributions to musical theater Negatives: - Writing style called "academic" and "textbook-like" - Limited insight into Kern's personality and relationships - Some readers note excessive focus on minor works - Several mention the book needs more photographs and illustrations Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 reviews) A reviewer on Kirkus noted: "More a catalog of Kern's work than a full biography." One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "Strong on facts but weak on bringing the man himself to life."

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🎵 Jerome Kern wrote "Ol' Man River" in just 36 hours, demonstrating his remarkable ability to create enduring melodies under pressure. 📚 Author Gerald Bordman spent over 20 years researching Jerome Kern's life and work, accessing previously unavailable personal papers and correspondence. 🎭 The book reveals that Kern turned down an offer to write music for Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," believing animated films weren't a suitable medium for his style. 🌟 While most know Kern for "Show Boat," he actually wrote over 700 songs across more than 100 theatrical productions during his career. 🎹 Kern was one of the first American composers to successfully bridge the gap between European operetta and what would become the modern American musical theater form.