News for James Kaplan

Images from Frank: The Voice

Here are some of the images of Frank that can be found in the book. All images are used with permission and may not be reproduced.

James on Charlie Rose

In connection with Frank: The Voice, James Kaplan, who has been a guest on NPR's Weekend Edition with Scott Simon, MSNBC's Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough, and Inside Edition, as well as Soundcheck with John Schaefer, Radio Open Source with Christopher Lydon, Dennis Miller Radio, and numerous other syndicated shows, appeared on Charlie Rose on February 18th, 2011: http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11491

Upcoming Events

James and Gary Giddins will discuss Irving Berlin: New York Genius at the Graduate Center at CUNY on February 5, 2020.

James will also speak at the 92nd Street Y on February 13.

Reviews & Press for Irving Berlin: New York Genius

“Genius is the operative word. The latest entry in the “Jewish Lives” series tackles perhaps the most prolific and important composer and lyricist in U.S. history…Kaplan, no stranger to daunting subjects…has written an extensively researched, entertaining, and nuanced account that contextualizes Berlin’s story and achievements within the scope of Jewish immigrant New York and modern American popular culture.” – Library Journal.

“Short but robust and richly rewarding…Kaplan vivifies Berlin and…brings his deep knowledge and wise insight to Berlin’s life story so that even his most classic songs like “White Christmas” feel like a new discovery.” – The National Book Review.

“One senses on every page Kaplan’s enthusiasm for his subject as well as his deep knowledge.” – The New York Journal of Books.

“Kaplan excavates psychological depth beneath the blithe melodies…a smart, entertaining biography of a great songwriter that will have readers humming along.” – Publishers Weekly.

James on the B’nai B’rith International Podcast

James appeared on the B’nai B’rith International podcast on November 22nd:

In his newly published book Irving Berlin: New York Genius, distinguished biographer and journalist James Kaplan tackles the complex relationship between Irving Berlin and the city of New York. In this podcast episode, B’nai B’rith International CEO and host Daniel S. Mariaschin and Kaplan discuss Kaplan’s book as well as the legacy of Irving Berlin.

James on the Jewish Lives Podcast

Yale University Press’s Jewish Lives Podcast dedicated its November 18th episode to Irving Berlin: New York Genius:

Irving Berlin has been called-by George Gershwin, among others-the greatest songwriter of the golden age of American popular song.

James Kaplan, author of the Jewish Lives biography Irving Berlin: New York Genius, underscores Berlin’s unique brilliance as a composer, his witty, wily, and tough Jewish immigrant experience, and his continued relevance in American popular culture today.

James on Irving Berlin on NPR

James discussed Irving Berlin: New York Genius on From the Bookshelf with Gary Shapiro on November 18th.

James on Berlin at the Detroit Jewish Book Fair

James discussed his new biography of Irving Berlin at the 67th annual Detroit Jewish Book Fair on November 9th, 2019. Irving Berlin was published by Yale University Press on November 5th.

Irving Berlin: New Book

Praise

Irving Berlin

Raves for Sinatra: The Chairman

Sinatra: The Chairman

James talks with Alex Gibney about HBO Sinatra doc

Frank Sinatra / James Kaplan

James on Frank and Billie, BBC2

James Kaplan

Frank Delaney interviews James about FRANK: THE VOICE and SINATRA: THE CHAIRMAN

Frank Sinatra

Derek at the beginning: Kaplan on Jeter, New York Magazine, April 7, 1997

Kaplan on Jeter, New York Magazine, April 7, 1997
James Kaplan

James Kaplan has been writing noted biography, journalism, and fiction for more than four decades. The author of Frank: The Voice, the definitive two-volume biography of Frank Sinatra, he has written more than one hundred major profiles of figures ranging from Miles Davis to Meryl Streep, from Arthur Miller to Larry David.