A new book is coming out this month probing the life of Arkansas-native Louis Jordan, who is considered an immensely influential musician, songwriter and bandleader, who experienced his greatest popularity from the 1930s to the 1950s.
It’s called Louis Jordan: Son of Arkansas, Father of R&B and was written by Stephen Koch, host of the weekly “Arkansongs” program, heard each Friday on KUAR.
Jordan was born in Brinkley in 1908 and has been ranked among the all-time most successful black recording artists of the 20th century, with performers like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles and James Brown calling him a major influence.
You can hear an interview with Stephen Koch discussing his new book above. He will also be taking part in a book signing Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Wordworth Books in Little Rock.