Struttin’ with Some Barbecue: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz

This true-story biography follows Lil Hardin Armstrong through the early days of jazz. It presents her as a pianist, composer, and bandleader, as well as Louis Armstrong’s wife and musical collaborator. Lil and Louis are shown creating a new musical sound together during jazz’s formative era. The story is told through poems whose rhythm reflects the period’s music, bringing attention to Lil Hardin Armstrong’s own work and leadership in a field often associated with her husband.