Little Melba and Her Big Trombone

Recommended Ages: 3-8

Written by Katheryn Russell-Brown. Illustrated by Frank Morrison.

At seven years old, Melba discovered a shiny trombone and quickly fell in love with it. She taught herself how to play and, by her teenage years, her remarkable musical talent led her into the world of jazz. Melba joined a band led by trumpet player Gerald Wilson, touring across the country. Overcoming the challenges of race and gender, she became a renowned trombone player and arranger, crafting intricate rhythms, harmonies, and melodies for legendary jazz artists such as Randy Weston, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Quincy Jones. Filled with energy and the joy of music, Little Melba and Her Big Trombone celebrates the life of a pioneering musician and an often-overlooked hero in the world of jazz.