Special Book Talk Event: Maxine Gordon Discusses “Sophisticated Giant"

Special Book Talk Event: Maxine Gordon Discusses “Sophisticated Giant"

Join us and Maxine Gordon, author of the acclaimed book "Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon"

By Louis Armstrong House Museum

Date and time

Friday, June 7 · 2 - 3pm EDT

Location

Louis Armstrong House Museum

34-56 107th St Corona, NY 11368

About this event

  • 1 hour

Join us for a captivating afternoon as Maxine Gordon, author of the acclaimed book "Sophisticated Giant: The Life and Legacy of Dexter Gordon," takes us on a journey through the extraordinary life of the legendary tenor saxophonist, Dexter Gordon. Our Director of Research Collections, Ricky Riccardi, will be the one in conversation with her, delving into fascinating insights about Dexter's time in Louis Armstrong's Orchestra in 1944.

This special event promises more than just discussion; we'll be playing rare audio and video clips from the Archives of Louis Armstrong and Dexter Gordon performing together. It's a unique opportunity to not only hear about Dexter's impact on jazz history but also to experience his music in a profound and intimate way.

Date: June 7th, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Louis Armstrong Center Jazz Room, Corona Queens
Admission: Free

Dexter Gordon, known as the "Sophisticated Giant," left an indelible mark on the jazz world with his towering presence and expansive sound. Maxine Gordon, Dexter's widow, fulfilled his final wish by completing his autobiography, offering profound insights into the vibrant jazz community that shaped his life.

During this special event, Maxine will share stories from the book and engage in insightful discussions about Dexter Gordon's influence on jazz history. Learn about his role in ushering in the bebop era and his impact on iconic saxophonists like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins.

Copies of "Sophisticated Giant" will be available for purchase, allowing you to delve deeper into the life and legacy of this jazz legend. Don't miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Dexter Gordon and explore the rich history of jazz. Reserve your spot now for this free event at the Louis Armstrong Center Jazz Room in Corona Queens.

Seats are limited, so secure your spot today!

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Louis Armstrong House Museum

The Louis Armstrong House Museum sustains and promotes the cultural, historical, and humanitarian legacy of Louis Armstrong by preserving and interpreting Armstrong’s house and grounds, collecting and sharing archival materials that document Armstrong’s life and legacy, and developing programs for the public that educate and inspire.

Thanks to the vision and funding of the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, the Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives welcomes visitors from all over the world, six days per week, 52 weeks per year. The Louis Armstrong House Museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, Association of African American Museums, Museums Council of New York City, New York State Museums Association, National Trust for Historic Preservation, NYC & Co., and the Queens Tourism Council. The museum is a constituent of the Kupferberg Center for the Arts and a cultural center of Queens College, CUNY.

Major funding for Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives is provided by Fund II Foundation and the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. Additional funding is provided by Queens College/CUNY; NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson; the New York State Council on the Arts; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the New York City Department of Education; the Office of the Queens Borough President; Con Edison; and members and donors from all over the world. Capital support has been provided by Governor Andrew Mark Cuomo, the NYS Assembly and Senate, the NYC Council, the Office of the Mayor of New York City, and the Office of the Borough President of Queens.​

More information about the Louis Armstrong House Museum can be found online.