A review by stevenk
Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker by Stanley Crouch

5.0

I thought this book was perfect for a biography of Charlie Parker, the writing style made me feel like I was there in Parker's time. I really enjoyed this look into the world that Charlie Parker grew up in, and learned quite a bit about KC in the 20's. Parker was a unique musical talent and his upbringing was even more unique than I expected. Crouch uses a lot of first person interviews of people who knew Parker, including his first wife, as well as an obvious love for jazz as an art form to help the reader experience the world of the black musicians that were creating new jazz music in the 30's as Parker was coming up through the ranks. Well researched, entertaining and highly enjoyable. I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.  I'd rate this 4.5 stars if Goodreads would allowed half stars.