Book cover of Jazz Survivor: The Story of Louis Bannet, Horn Player of Auschwitz

Book description

Jazz Survivor tells the story of Louis Bannet, the Dutch Louis Armstrong. Louis Bannet was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau during the was, but his skill as a musician saved his life: he became the 'star' of the Auschwitz Orchestra, as well as the personal bandleader for Dr Josef Mengele and the…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Jazz Survivor as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Another book about a Jewish man who led a life that reads like fiction.

Louis Bannet grew up in Rotterdam with an alcoholic father and no money. He became a child prodigy at the violin, but decided in the Twenties and Thirties that he wanted to be the next Louis Armstrong. He became a star in Europe, but was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943. He was recognized by a SS-guard and he was forced to be the leader of the campband in Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The trumpet saved his life and ‘The Dutch Louis Armstrong’, as he was known by that time,…

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