Discover the greatest stories from jazz history
The best stories and anecdotes from more than 100 years of jazz
Is Jazz Really Getting Simpler? Yes, says a new study
A new scientific study published in Scientific Reports has sparked debate among musicians and listeners alike by suggesting that jazz may … Read more
How Nina Simone Turned “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” Into a Civil Rights Anthem
Few songs became more closely associated with Nina Simone’s political and artistic identity than “I Wish I Knew How It Would … Read more
Watch Natalie Cole Sing “Unforgettable” With Her Father 25 Years After His Death
When Natalie Cole released “Unforgettable” in 1991, many listeners initially struggled to understand how the recording had been made so well. … Read more
Watch Dizzy Gillespie Perform on Sesame Street
By the 1970s and 1980s, Sesame Street had become one of the most unusual places on American television to encounter jazz … Read more
Why Miles Davis Became Obsessed With Jimi Hendrix
By the late 1960s, Miles Davis was already searching for a new musical direction. Jazz audiences were shrinking, younger listeners were … Read more
The Viral Dave Brubeck Version of “Golden Brown” That Fooled Millions of Listeners
In 2020, saxophonist Laurence Mason uploaded an arrangement of “Golden Brown” performed in the style of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Within … Read more
How Barack Obama Turned The White House Into A Home For Jazz & Blues
During Barack Obama’s presidency, jazz and blues music became a far more visible part of life inside the White House. While … Read more
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
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