Discover the greatest stories from jazz history
The best stories and anecdotes from more than 100 years of jazz
The Early Mahavishnu Orchestra: A Band That Redefined Fusion
We’ve already published a deep-dive into the story of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, but their early days and original line-up certainly deserves … Read more
Charles Mingus Eviction – The 1968 Documentary
In November 1966, Charles Mingus was evicted from his apartment on Great Jones Street in New York City. It was not … Read more
One Night in Birdland: Charlie Parker in Full Flight at The Club That Defined Jazz
There are some recordings that feel less like albums and more like documents — fragments of a moment that might otherwise … Read more
Shot at Slugs’ Saloon: The Night Lee Morgan Was Killed
Shot dead aged 33 at a popular New York club, the story of Lee Morgan is a particularly tragic one. Pianist … Read more
The Night Wynton Met Miles: On Stage at Vancouver Jazz Festival (Video)
You’ve heard the story about Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis, right? Trouble is, there are about a million different versions! We’ve … Read more
NPR’s Moving Tribute to 50 Fallen Jazz Greats (Video)
Dr. Lonnie Smith, Chick Corea, Pat Martino, Curtis Fuller, George Mraz, Pee Wee Ellis… The list of legendary jazz musicians who … Read more
Buster Williams on “Learning From The Ladies” (Interview)
As one of the busiest bass players in jazz, Buster Williams worked with a who’s who of major vocalists over more … Read more
Hazel Scott: The Pianist Who Refused to Be Erased
By 1950, Hazel Scott had already done what very few musicians of any background had managed. She had filled concert halls, … Read more
Tearing up the Rule Book: Elvin Jones In His Own Words
When Elvin Jones began to establish himself on the New York scene in the 1950s, the reaction from other musicians was … Read more
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