Gwen Thompkins

Gwen Thompkins

July 11, 2017
6:30 p.m.
Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch, New Orleans Public Library
725 Pelican Avenue in Algiers Point
Admission is free.

Journalist Gwen Thompkins, host of public radio’s "Music Inside Out" and a contributor to the new edition of Danny Barker’s A Life in Jazz (The Historic New Orleans Collection, 2016), will discuss the book and sign copies at the Cita Dennis Hubbell Branch of the New Orleans Public Library on Tuesday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m.

A beloved icon of New Orleans jazz, Barker (1909–1994) performed for more than 60 years, appeared on thousands of recordings and penned dozens of original songs. His autobiography, A Life in Jazz, was first published in 1986 and captures both his expansive knowledge of music and his insightful storytelling. 

The new illustrated edition of A Life in Jazz, released in December 2016 by THNOC, features an introduction by Thompkins, more than 100 images, a complete discography and a never-before-published song catalog. In addition, A Life in Jazz now features updated information and new details from the book's original editor, Alyn Shipton, a jazz historian, musician, and BBC Radio host.

Thompkins will discuss Barker's life and legacy as a standard-bearer of New Orleans culture at Hubbell Library, located at 725 Pelican Avenue in Algiers Point. The program is free, and refreshments will be available. The book, which retails for $39.95, will be available for purchase, and a signing will follow Thompkins's presentation. For more information, visit www.hubbelllibrary.org or call (504) 596-3113.