A Most Remarkable Fella: Frank Loesser and the Guys and Dolls in His Life: A Portrait by His Daughter

by Susan Loesser

Overview

(Book). Composer, lyricist and driving force behind such songs and stage productions as "Heart and Soul," "Baby, It's Cold Outside," Guys and Dolls and The Most Happy Fella , Frank Loesser left an indelible mark on American music. In this rich and revealing biography, his daughter profiles this prolific musical mastermind, piecing together her own memories with those of singers, songwriters, producers, friends and family members. The result is an accurate account of what it was like to know Frank Loesser: a very funny man with a fiery temper whose ferocious commitment to his art drove singers out of their minds and to their best. This comprehensive account of Loesser's life and career includes photos, drawings, lyrics and an index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780634009273
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2000
Series:	Biographies and Commentary: Musicals/Classical/Folk/Religious Music Series
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	6.01(w) x 8.93(h) x 0.80(d)

Editorial Reviews

In this engaging biography, the daughter of popular composer and lyricist Frank Loesser (1910-1969) recalls her father's life and work, weaving into the story an account of her own difficult childhood, which was marred by the alcoholism of her mother and the divorce of her parents. In his pursuit of a career in the theater, Loesser broke away from the conventions of his intellectual Manhattan family and affected a Lower East Side accent and a working-class persona. Nevertheless, even after achieving success with such Broadway hits as Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying , he struggled to win the respect of his brother, a critic and musicologist who disdained popular music, and of his mother, who was equally scornful of his work. Loesser was a difficult man with a violent temper, but he could be a loving father, and his daughter, a freelance writer, tells her tale with affection in a lively book studded with humorous anecdotes and numerous lyrics from her father's memorable songs. Photos not seen by PW. (June)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly