Rating: 
Summary: A Scandal Uncovered and a Family Shamed
Review: When Joss Moody, a famous and revered jazz trumpet player, dies, he leaves behind a widow and a 30-year old son. During his autopsy, the coroner makes an unsettling discovery--Joss was really a woman. This book is most likely based on the true story of Billy Tipton, who was also a famed trumpet player masquerading as a man in order to gain success in a male dominated world. The author takes what could be lurid and sensational and makes it touching, humorous and beautiful. As the scandal encircles around them, Joss's story is told alternately by his widow Millie, his adopted son Colman (who never knew)and Sophie Strongs, who is intent on cashing in on a "tell-all" book about him. What is actually most profound is that it is revealed that he led a happy and productive life that was not about his gender, but about music and love. As the characters deal with their shock, grief and embarrassment, we discover that each one begins to heal and accept their memories of Joss for what he was--a talented and loving human being.
Rating:
Summary: the REAL Joss Moody
Review: While I whole heartedly agree with many of the accolades afforded to Jackie Kay's novel Trumpet, I am stunned that the author gives no mention in a foreward about the true story of a jazz musician who was born a female but passed as a male, married and adopted children, refused to see a physician and for whom a band named their group after his death -- The Billy Tipton Memorial Band. Certainly Kay does a beautiful job telling the story of Joss Moody -- but much of it is lifted from the real life of Billy Tipton. For more info -- see a book titled Suits Me ( I can't remember the author's name at the moment).
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