Just for a Thrill

Lillian Lil Hardin was a pioneer for women in jazz. After studying at Fisk University, the Chicago College of Music, and the New York College of Music, Lil joined Sugar Johnny's Creole Orchestra and then moved on to Freddie Keppard's Original Creole Orchestra. In the 1920's Lil began playing in King Oliver's world-famous Creole Jazz Band, becoming the first female jazz musician of renown. She was well-established in Chicago as a pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader before she met and married Louis Armstrong in 1924. She was the only member of Armstrong's group that could read music. Based on extensive research, Dickerson's stunning biography is the first to examine this musical iconoclast's life and career.

James L. Dickerson, author of Colonel Tom Parker: The Curious Life of Elvis Presley's Eccentric Manager and Goin' Back to Memphis: A Century of Blues, Rock 'n' Roll, and Glorious Soul lives in Jackson, Mississippi