From Harlem to Hollywood: My Life in Music Paperback – Import, 2 June 2009

This is the life story of Van Alexander, the well-known Big Band arranger and conductor, as written by the same with help from Stephen Fratallone. In this book, Van describes his early interest in music and development as a musician, and his gradual rise from amateur band leader to arranger to his crowning achievement - conducting one of his own "charts" at Carnegie Hall. Along the way, with great wit and humor, he tells about his many triumphs and even a few misadventures. During a career that spanned 70+ years, Van Alexander wrote arrangements for Chick Webb and Bob Crosby and their bands, collaborated with Ella Fitzgerald on the hit that made her a star, formed and toured with his own band, published a book on music arranging, was the music director for a number of radio and television shows including The Dean Martin Show, wrote movie scores, and worked with dozens of well-known singers during the 1940s - 1960s on their recordings for Capitol Records. Van was also the music arranger-conductor for Gordon MacRae's special appearance performances, nightclub act, and concert programs. What I liked about the book is that although Van discusses hundred of people within the music industry that he met or worked with, he doesn't dish out the dirt on anyone. While he admits that certain individuals had personal problems or did things he didn't approve of, he doesn't sensationalize these incidents. He is just as quick to admit his own mistakes and, for the most part, has something complimentary to say about everyone he talks about. It's amazing all the people Van Alexander knew! His autobiography is a Who's Who of the Big Band Era! The book is well-written with good chronology, and very interesting. Throughout, the lesson learned from Van's life is never sit still; keep working, keep learning, keep trying to improve your skills, and continually set new goals for yourself to strive for. Van Alexander would be a great person to meet!

A real music business memoir, fascinating from beginning to end. Van describes the true world of the music arranger-conductor, an occupation he shared in parallel with Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Eddie Sauter, and others of that noteworthy ilk. And since he was active for so many years, this book is a trove of music biz and Hollywood stories, involving so many of the amazing people he interacted with. But also to be admired is Van’s devotion to his wife and children, of whom he speaks glowingly here, amid all of the recollections of musical achievement and celebrity affiliations.