Lullaby of Birdland: The Autobiography of George Shearing »

British pianist George Shearing emigrated to the United States in 1947, going on to achieve success in an American jazz world impressed with the accomplishments of the blind musician. In his autobiography he narrates his childhood, his beginnings in music, and his activities and encounters in the world of jazz. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The New York Times

Charming, smooth and flecked with insight, Lullaby of Birdland adeptly captures the voice of George Shearing, the 84-year-old English-born blind pianist...Like Shearing's music, his autobiography is sometimes too relentlessly smooth, controlled, self-congratulatory and superficial. But also like his music, at its best, Lullaby of Birdland represents an unapologetic individual perspective on jazz that is also broad enough to have an appeal beyond jazz fans.—Gene Santoro

Acknowledgements...................................vii
List of Illustrations..............................ix
1 The House in Arthur Street.......................1
2 Shillington Street School........................12
3 Linden Lodge.....................................23
4 Mighty Like the Blues............................37
5 Delayed Action...................................58
6 Swing Street.....................................82
7 September in the Rain............................103
8 Early Travels....................................123
9 Lullaby of Birdland..............................137
10 On the Road.....................................149
11 Classical Concerts..............................175
12 Ellie...........................................188
13 Two Bodies-One Musical Mind.....................209
14 Today...........................................233
Recommended Recordings.............................245
Index..............................................249