Reviews

Jazz musician and show business promoter Tipton died at home in Spokane in 1979 at the age of 74. The emergency medical personnel called to the scene uncovered Tipton's carefully guarded secret: he was a woman. Born Dorothy, she decided at the age of 19 that in order to be a successful jazz pianist she would live as a man. The extent of the deception was remarkable since Tipton was married five times and had several adopted children. After his death, his fifth "wife" approached biographer Middlebrook, known for her psychological interpretations, to write Billy's story. Her treatment is candid, sympathetic, and very interesting. Mary Peiffer's narration is excellent; her Midwestern tone works well as she reads accounts from Tipton's Oklahoma and Kansas City relatives. There's a hint of a smile behind the reading that removes an edge of judgment. For larger public libraries.ÄNann Blaine Hilyard, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., IL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.