Artie Shaw, King of the Clarinet: His Life and Times

During America's Swing Era, no musician achieved greater success or stirred more controversy than Artie Shaw: the charismatic and opinionated clarinetist and bandleader whose numerous hits became anthems for "the greatest generation." Yet, some of his most exquisite recordings remained unreleased until decades after he had departed the music scene. He broke down racial barriers by employing African American musicians within his ensembles. His frequent "retirements" earned him the moniker of the Hamlet of jazz. And he ultimately ceased performing altogether at the zenith of his abilities.

The handsome Shaw was married seven times, including to Hollywood icons Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. An avid reader and author of three books himself, he cultivated friendships with the most celebrated writers of his time. Tom Nolan, who conducted extensive interviews with Shaw between 1990 and his death in 2004, and also spoke with a hundred of his colleagues and contemporaries, captures both Shaw and his era with candour and empathy. He brings the master to vivid life, restoring him to his rightful and prominent place within jazz history. This insightful biography, originally published in hardcover under the title Three Chords for Beauty's Sake, offers a compelling portrait of a complex and influential figure.