The Jalimuso's Drum

Synopsis

The Jalimuso's Drum is a ground breaking work in which eminent scholar and historian, Glenda R. Taylor argues that African American female entertainers use autobiographies to act as cultural historian/griottes and record American history. She keeps the reader captivated as theautobiographies of luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Diahann Carroll, Cissy Houston, Etta James, Ruth Brown and Whoopi Goldberg are explored. This seminal work shows how many celebrities including Lena Horne, Marion Anderson, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt andJosephine Baker played a significant role in the Civil and Human Rights Movements. Their unique and diverse perspectives are engaging and The Jalimuso's Drum is an educational, yet, entertaining journey through early twentieth century America.