Swingin' at the Savoy

Norma Miller began her career as a choreographer by forming the Norma Miller Jazz Dancers and appeared in Olsen and Johnson's Broadway stage production of Hellzapoppin' for five years. In addition to being a stand-up comedienne, Miller has made numerous TV appearances, including the CBS movie, Stompin' at the Savoy, which earned her an Emmy nomination for choreography. She has also performed in the films A Day at the Races, Malcolm X, and Captiva, and has been the subject of many documentaries, including National Geographic's Explorer and the Smithsonian jazz series on national radio. Evette Jensen is a freelance writer.

"This is an important book, bringing some much-overdue attention to the swing dancers who along with the musicians defined the era." -Robert Tate, Jazz Now "A refreshing look at the history of swing dancing is Swingin' at the Savoy... Miller has not only created an entertaining history of swing, but more importantly, gives the reader a sense of the personalities of people and places most have only heard of. The book is unique as a humorous autobiography, full of youthful antics and charm. Delightful anecdotes and photos of big bands give us a view of swing music and its popularity in a real world aspect different than most music historians today." -Lance Benishek, Dancing USA

• CONTENTS Acknowledgments Preface - Ernie Smith 1. Coming Home 2. Coming to America 3. Norman Miller 4. The Early Years 5. The Savoy 6. Coming of Age 7. A Man Called Whitey 8. The Harvest Moon Ball 9. The Swingin' Generation 10. The Other Side of the Ballroom 11. Ethel Waters 12. Savoy at the World's Fair 13. Hollywood Calls 14. Swingin' Down to Rio 15. Moving On 16. Norma Miller Dancers 17. On the Road Again 18. Swingin' into the Future 19. Saying Goodbye Epilogue - Robert P. Crease