Phoebe’s Fantasy: New Historical Perspectives on the Mafia in Jazz, Civil Rights, Judaism and Feminism

A Discussion and Book Signing By Former New York Daily News Columnist and Author Hugh Wyatt

Phoebe’s Fantasy: The Story of a Mafia Insider Who Helped Rescue Jazz

Join veteran journalist Hugh Wyatt in a discussion of his new book, Phoebe’s Fantasy, which focuses on the role Jewish impresario Phoebe Jacobs played in cajoling the mafia and the music industry to help launch and preserve the careers of such black jazz pioneers as Eubie Blake, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Wynton Marsalis. She also saved the careers of Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. Wyatt’s presentation will focus on how foreign countries also played a key role in not only preserving jazz, but how they served as a haven for black expatriates. In addition, his talk will explore the connection between jazz, Judaism, and various social movements, such as civil rights and feminism, from the early 20th century through today.











When: Thu., Sep. 21, 2017 at 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Queens Library—Central Library
89-11 Merrick Blvd.
718-990-0700
Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
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A Discussion and Book Signing By Former New York Daily News Columnist and Author Hugh Wyatt

Phoebe’s Fantasy: The Story of a Mafia Insider Who Helped Rescue Jazz

Join veteran journalist Hugh Wyatt in a discussion of his new book, Phoebe’s Fantasy, which focuses on the role Jewish impresario Phoebe Jacobs played in cajoling the mafia and the music industry to help launch and preserve the careers of such black jazz pioneers as Eubie Blake, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Wynton Marsalis. She also saved the careers of Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee. Wyatt’s presentation will focus on how foreign countries also played a key role in not only preserving jazz, but how they served as a haven for black expatriates. In addition, his talk will explore the connection between jazz, Judaism, and various social movements, such as civil rights and feminism, from the early 20th century through today.

Buy tickets/get more info now