Table of Contents

List of Illustrations Introduction Part One: Astaire among Others 1. "There's a difference and Astaire is it" 2. "I am a creator" Part Two: Astaire at the Studios 3. "I play with the very best bands" 4. "Tell them to let it swing" 5. "Fixing up" tunes Part Three: Astaire in Jazz and Popular Music 6. "Keep time with the time and with the times" 7. "Jazz means the blues" 8. "Anything that will send me" 9. "You play and I'll dance" Conclusion Notes References Acknowledgments Permissions Index

About the Author

Todd Decker is Assistant Professor of Music at Washington University in St. Louis.

Reviews

"Mr. Decker digs deeply into Astaire's creative process, anatomizing what went into each production... Illuminating, richly detailed analysis." Wall Street Journal "Delving into production schedules, credit sheets, cast lists, and other studio paraphernalia, Decker gives us a good look at Astaire-related activity behind the scenes." New York Review Of Books "Fascinating... Much in Decker's account of Astaire's musicianship and the range of this talents in Music Makes Me may come as a surprise." Times Literary Supplement (TLS) "A worthy addition to the books that have been inspired by the genius of Fred Astaire." Reelzchannel Maltin On Movies "A worthy resource... Highly Recommended." -- C. Wadsworth Walker Choice "Illuminating... There is something of an unabashed joy in watching and hearing Astaire's routines, and Decker's book reflects that joy." -- Sarah Caissie Provost Clark University Notes (Music Library Assoc) "Decker offers ... fascinating observations to underscore the idea of Astaire as ardent listener and lover of all things 'jazz.'" -- Jennifer R. Jenkins Film & History