Top Jazz Musician Life Stories

The best Jazz Musician Biographies includes Miles Davis: The Complete Albums Collection [10 CD], Shades of Blue: Jazz Legends Collection, Clawing at Cool: Coltrane's Jazz Collaboration eBook and many others as mentioned below.

1

Miles Davis: The Complete Albums Collection [10 CD]

  • Autobiography of music legend Miles Davis.
  • Insightful reflections on his extraordinary life experiences.
  • Addresses struggles with addiction and recovery.
  • Discusses racism in music and society.
  • Highlights relationships with influential women.
  • Features iconic musicians he collaborated with.
  • Includes a discography and numerous photographs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.91
2

Shades of Blue: Jazz Legends Collection

  • Explores the creation of iconic jazz album Kind of Blue.
  • Profiles jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans.
  • Examines jazz's impact on culture and society.
  • Discusses race, creativity, and urban environments in jazz.
  • A detailed narrative of a lost musical era.
  • Critically acclaimed as a masterpiece of jazz biography.
  • National Bestseller and recognized by major publications.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.60
3

Clawing at Cool: Coltrane's Jazz Collaboration eBook

  • Explores Miles Davis and John Coltrane's partnership.
  • Analyzes their profound impact on jazz music.
  • Chronicles their collaboration's historical context.
  • Highlights their contrasting personal and musical styles.
  • Examines cultural implications for African American identity.
  • Details their journey from collaboration to breakup.
  • Illuminates jazz's evolution through their influence.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
4

Shades of Blue: Jazz Legends Unveiled

  • Explores the lives of jazz legends.
  • Focuses on Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans.
  • Covers the iconic album Kind of Blue.
  • Analyzes jazz's impact on American culture.
  • Discusses creativity in challenging environments.
  • Offers insights into race and music history.
  • A masterful narrative by acclaimed biographer James Kaplan.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
5

Open Sky: Sonny Rollins Improvisation Ebook

  • Explore Sonny Rollins's remarkable jazz journey.
  • Discover his influence on tenor saxophone music.
  • Learn about his collaborations with jazz legends.
  • Understand his pioneering use of 3/4-time.
  • Experience his captivating sound across generations.
  • Gain insights from renowned jazz writer Eric Nisenson.
  • Enjoy a comprehensive look at Rollins's artistry.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
6

Producer John Hammond: American Music eBook

  • Pioneering producer John Hammond's extraordinary life story.
  • Discovered legends like Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan.
  • Championed jazz as America's indigenous music form.
  • Advocated for racial equality in the music industry.
  • Engaging narrative backed by solid research.
  • A biography praised by major publications.
  • Explores music's role in bridging cultural divides.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
7

Shades of Blue: Jazz Legends Uncovered

  • Delve into jazz's golden era of creativity.
  • Explore the lives of Miles, Coltrane, and Evans.
  • Uncover the making of Kind of Blue.
  • A masterful biography by acclaimed author James Kaplan.
  • Examines race, business, and art in jazz history.
  • Captivating narrative of America's iconic musical figures.
  • Discover the lost empire of cool jazz culture.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
8

Hipster's Legacy: Dreams and Jazz in 1960s California

  • Coming-of-age story set in 1960s California.
  • Follows Lorraine's struggles in Hollywood.
  • Explores family dynamics and relationships.
  • Features quirky friends and eclectic characters.
  • Humorous reflections on life and dreams.
  • Influenced by jazz culture and music.
  • Unique memoir of resilience and self-discovery.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99
9

Kansas City Lightning: The Rise of Charlie Parker (eBook)

  • Captivating biography of Charlie Parker's life.
  • Explores Parker's influence on bebop music.
  • Dives into his struggles with addiction.
  • Details his Kansas City nightlife experiences.
  • Rich interviews with family and peers.
  • Written by acclaimed jazz scholar Stanley Crouch.
  • Offers unique insights into American culture.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
10

Bessie Revised: Expanded Edition eBook

  • Definitive biography of Bessie Smith, the music legend.
  • Expanded edition debunks myths surrounding her life.
  • Includes interviews with family and friends.
  • Details Bessie’s early years and career highlights.
  • A landmark contribution to jazz history literature.
  • Praised by major publications for research quality.
  • Insightful look into Bessie’s personal and professional life.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
11

Coltrane: The Sound of a Legend

  • Explores John Coltrane's profound musical impact.
  • Analyzes Coltrane's evolution as an artist.
  • Connects jazz to American social history.
  • Highlights Coltrane's spiritual journey and beliefs.
  • Positions Coltrane among America's greatest artists.
  • Written by New York Times jazz critic Ben Ratliff.
  • Engaging and insightful study of jazz history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
12

Milwaukee Jazz: Images of America

  • Explores Milwaukee's vibrant jazz history.
  • Features legendary artists like Duke Ellington.
  • Covers jazz evolution from 1940s to 1970s.
  • Highlights iconic venues and festivals.
  • Showcases local talent and influential musicians.
  • Captures the essence of Milwaukee's jazz scene.
  • A must-read for jazz enthusiasts and historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
13

Cape Cod Jazz: Colombo to Columns

  • Explore Cape Cod's rich jazz history.
  • Discover legends like Billie Holiday and Gerry Mulligan.
  • Learn about Marie Marcus, a jazz prodigy.
  • Experience iconic venues like the Atlantic House.
  • Written by jazz historian John Basile.
  • Perfect for music lovers and jazz enthusiasts.
  • Captivating stories of Cape Cod's musical legacy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
14

Shades of Blue: Jazz Legends [Book]

  • Explores jazz's golden era in America.
  • Focuses on Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans.
  • Investigates the iconic album Kind of Blue.
  • Addresses themes of creativity, race, and addiction.
  • Highlights the cultural impact of jazz music.
  • Masterfully crafted by acclaimed biographer James Kaplan.
  • A national odyssey of jazz's legendary figures.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.49
15

Jazzmen: Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie

  • Explores the lives of jazz legends Ellington, Armstrong, Basie.
  • Details their struggles against racism and exclusion.
  • Highlights their revolutionary impact on American music.
  • Based on over 250 insightful interviews and research.
  • Chronicles the soundtrack of the civil rights movement.
  • Offers a deep dive into early Black America.
  • Written by a New York Times bestselling author.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
16

A Pure Solar World: Sun Ra and Afrofuturism (eBook)

  • Explores Sun Ra's influence on Afrofuturism.
  • Examines music, poetry, and visual arts integration.
  • Connects creativity to civil rights and space race.
  • Highlights Sun Ra's unique approach to improvisation.
  • Analyzes astro-black mythology and its cultural impact.
  • Promotes social change through popular culture activism.
  • Offers a transformative perspective on American society.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
17

My Journey with Louie Bellson [1 Book]

  • Personal journey with Louie Bellson's mentorship.
  • Inspiration from an extraordinary musician's influence.
  • Impact on my life as a high school student.
  • Discovering confidence through guidance and support.
  • A heartfelt tribute to a remarkable individual.
  • Opening doors to new opportunities in music.
  • A story of love and transformative experiences.
  • Price Range: $12.99
18

St. Louis Jazz: A Historical Overview

  • Explores St. Louis' rich jazz history.
  • Covers influential artists like Jelly Roll Morton.
  • Highlights Louis Armstrong's early performances in St. Louis.
  • Details Miles Davis’ transformative impact on jazz.
  • Discusses the Black Artists Group's innovative contributions.
  • Chronicles local and national musicians’ influences.
  • Captivating read for jazz enthusiasts and historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
19

Kenny Wheeler: A Musical Journey (Popular Music History)

  • Explores Kenny Wheeler's musical journey and impact.
  • Over 130 original interviews and archival research included.
  • Chronicles his rise from Canada to international acclaim.
  • Highlights his influence on modern European jazz.
  • Examines his unique sound and musical communities.
  • Insightful perspective on jazz history in Britain.
  • A compelling and human story of perseverance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $43.18
20

Jazz Legends: Ellington, Armstrong, Basie's American Impact

  • In-depth look at jazz legends' lives.
  • Explores racial challenges and triumphs in music.
  • Based on over 250 personal interviews.
  • Illustrates impact on civil rights movement.
  • Captivating narrative by bestselling author.
  • Reveals unique stories of Duke, Louis, and Count.
  • Celebrates transformative power of jazz music.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.77
21

Jelly Roll Blues: Censored Songs & Hidden Histories

  • Bestselling music historian Elijah Wald explores hidden histories.
  • Discover censored songs from early blues and jazz.
  • Journey through Jelly Roll Morton's legendary career.
  • Uncover unpublished lyrics and fascinating stories.
  • Gain new insights into iconic music figures.
  • Explore Black culture at the turn of the century.
  • Connects past music traditions to modern hip-hop influences.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.10
22

Duke Ellington: Musical Life and Legacy

  • Explore Duke Ellington's influential jazz career.
  • Detailed biography from birth to death.
  • Interviews with friends and fellow musicians.
  • Chronicles jazz's evolution through Ellington's life.
  • Insightful for jazz veterans and newcomers alike.
  • Captivating narrative by Bill Gutman.
  • Celebrate the legacy of a jazz legend.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
23

Thelonious Monk: American Jazz Legend Biography

  • Comprehensive biography of Thelonious Monk's life.
  • Access to family archives and exclusive interviews.
  • Explores Monk's influence on modern jazz history.
  • Highlights his unique musical style and legacy.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Robin Kelley.
  • Engaging narrative filled with humor and pathos.
  • Celebrates Monk's 2017 centennial anniversary.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.89
24

Notes and Tones: Musician Interviews [1st Edition]

  • Authentic interviews with jazz legends from the '60s.
  • Explores black musicians' experiences in a white society.
  • Unfiltered conversations revealing personal and musical insights.
  • Expanded edition includes unpublished interviews and new photographs.
  • Features influential artists like Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman.
  • Honest discussion about the creative process in jazz.
  • Insightful commentary on jazz's cultural significance and impact.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.23
25

Musician Interviews: Notes and Tones [eBook]

  • In-depth interviews with influential jazz musicians.
  • Explores the role of black artists in society.
  • Features candid conversations without editorial restrictions.
  • Includes previously unpublished interviews with legends.
  • Expanded edition with new introduction and photographs.
  • Insights into music, life, and creative processes.
  • A must-read for jazz enthusiasts and scholars.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
26

But Beautiful: A Jazz Enthusiast's Guide

  • Explores the essence of modern jazz history.
  • Eight poetic vignettes showcasing jazz legends.
  • Evocative scenes of iconic musicians' lives.
  • Richly descriptive language mirrors jazz's creativity.
  • Features anecdotes and historical insights into jazz.
  • Celebrated by critics for its artistic depth.
  • A must-read for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.46
27

Stomp Off, Let's Go: Louis Armstrong eBook

  • Revealing origin story of Louis Armstrong.
  • Explores Armstrong's youth in New Orleans.
  • Details his rise to fame and success.
  • Includes rare archival materials and insights.
  • Challenges the "sell-out" narrative of Armstrong.
  • Highlights personal and professional relationships.
  • Essential for understanding Armstrong's musical evolution.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.39
28

Miles Davis: Interviews with Musicians (eBook)

  • Collects 30 vital interviews with Miles Davis.
  • Features conversations from renowned journalists and new sources.
  • Highlights Miles's contemplative and defiant personality.
  • Offers insights into his musical genius and enigma.
  • Unprecedented access to his inimitable voice and thoughts.
  • Definitive source for understanding Miles Davis's legacy.
  • Engaging narratives that entertain and provoke thought.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
29

Miles Davis: Encounters and Insights [1 Edition]

  • Collection of 30 vital Miles Davis interviews.
  • Explore his music, life, and philosophy.
  • Reveals a complex and contradictory jazz icon.
  • Features insights from leading music journalists.
  • Includes newly transcribed interviews from media appearances.
  • Compelling, exasperating, and entertaining conversations captured.
  • The definitive source for Miles Davis enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.25
30

Kansas City Lightning: Charlie Parker's Journey

  • Stunning portrait of jazz legend Charlie Parker.
  • Written by acclaimed jazz authority Stanley Crouch.
  • Explores Parker's rise in Kansas City nightlife.
  • Details struggles with addiction and personal relationships.
  • Combines music scholarship with literary narrative skills.
  • Provides deep insights into American culture and music.
  • A must-read for jazz enthusiasts and historians.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99