STRUTTIN’ WITH SOME BARBECUE: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Rachel Himes is an engaging illustrated biography of one of the first women to play jazz piano with the best bands around such as King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. She was also one of the first women to write songs in the days of early jazz. In fact, she composed such favorites as “Struttin’ with some Barbecue,” “Lonesome Blues,” “Oriental Swing,” and “Bad Boy.”
She was “raised up” in Memphis by her Mama while playing organ at the Lebanon Baptist Church in a “bouncy” and spirited way (which Mama called vulgar). She balked at her mother’s hope that she would study classical music at Fisk University.
Lil’s rise to fame is told in captivating verse as full of music as is the story. Moving to Chicago she took a job at a music store demonstrating music. There she met Jelly Roll Morton and heard his style which affirmed her musical urges and affected her playing: “After that/ Li’l Ole girl/ put every one / of her eighty-five pounds to work/ playin’ ferocious/ playin’ syncopated/playin’ like Jelly Roll.”
The illustrations rendered in ink and graphite are attractive and perfectly matched to Lil’s creative and upbeat personality. The pictures of her first meeting with Louis Armstrong in 1922, their courtship and their marriage in 1924 are touching.
The back material includes a fine Glossary of Jazz terms, as well as valuable Notes from the author.
STRUTTIN’ WITH SOME BARBEQUE: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz written by Patricia Hruby Powell and illustrated by Rachel Himes is a joyous read for kids 9-12 years of age (Charlesbridge, 2018).
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. A link to the podcast and activity questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Questions and activities for STRUTTIN’ WITH SOME BARBEQUE: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz
The illustrator of this book says she was inspired by the art and music of the times in which the story is set. Look back through the pictures. What do they reveal about clothing and attire, buildings and architecture, the music industry and recordings and musical artists during the days of early jazz? Read the facial expressions, too. Do you have a favorite illustration? What does that picture say to you? Give that picture a one-word title. Have fun and be creative!
There is a wealth of information in the back material with which to do more research. First, read out loud through the Glossary. Which terms are new to you? Which words sound like the action for which they stand? Draw a picture of the shape of one of those words.
With the help of parents and teachers as well as the author’s list of recordings and compact discs go online and listen to some of Lil Hardin’s compositions as well as music featuring Louis Armstrong.
How does the music make you feel? In what way is this music different from what you currently listen to? Do you hear some similarities?