Songs of the Unsung: The Musical and Social Journey of Horace Tapscott

Despite his importance and influence, jazz musician, educator, and community leader Horace Tapscott remains relatively unknown to most Americans. In Songs of the Unsung Tapscott shares his life story, recalling his childhood in Houston, moving with his family to Los Angeles in 1943, learning music, and his early professional career. He describes forming the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in 1961 and later the Union of God's Musicians and Artists Ascension to preserve African American music and serve the community. Tapscott also recounts his interactions with the Black Panthers and law enforcement, the Watts riots, his work in Hollywood movie studios, and stories about his famous musician-activist friends. Songs of the Unsung is the captivating story of one of America's most unassuming heroes as well as the story of L.A.'s cultural and political evolution over the last half of the twentieth century.

Author: Horace Tapscott
Publisher: Duke University Press
Published: 11/02/2016
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.60d
ISBN13: 9780822362715
ISBN10: 0822362716
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Music
- Biography & Autobiography | Cultural, Ethnic & Regional | General
- Music | Genres & Styles | Jazz

About the Author
Horace Tapscott (1934-1999) was a jazz pianist, trombonist, composer, educator, and community leader in Los Angeles. Appearing on dozens of albums as a leader or a sideman, Tapscott performed with the U.S. Air Force band and Lionel Hampton's big band, led the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, and taught and mentored hundreds of Los Angeles youths.

Steven Isoardi is the author of The Dark Tree: Jazz and the Community Arts in Los Angeles and coeditor of Central Avenue Sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles.