The genre of memoirs by jazz musicians is a rich one filled with tales of trials and tribulations, as well as success stories. To do it right, the author must not only recall correctly events and feelings from the past, but also manage to project the right tone and voice, with genuine rather than false humility. We’d also like to learn something about the author that we didn’t know before and that presents another challenge. Every memoir here except Mingus’ required an assist from a writer or editor who deserve credit for helping to bring the project home. The list is in chronological order of publication.
Beneath the Underdog: His World as Composed by Mingus by Charles Mingus (1971)
Although some of the material was later determined by historians and authors to be, shall we say, less than truthful, the forceful nature of Mingus as a musician and man comes across loud and clear. In recounting his early life and struggles, Mingus is blunt, profane and sometimes poetic. To get a clearer picture of his life, we suggest combining this book with Sue Mingus’ beautifully written Tonight at Noon, which talks about her life with the legendary bassist and composer.
To Be Or Not To Bop by Dizzy Gillespie and Al Fraser (1979)
The story of how Dizzy Gillespie transitioned from being a sideman in various big bands to leading his own groups which created a new form of jazz is fascinating. There will never be a memoir from Charlie Parker, so Gillespie’s story serves as a proxy for Bird’s incendiary path through the jazz world. This entertaining and illuminating memoir is as much an oral history because a large portion of the book contains testimony from Dizzy’s peers of that time, including John Lewis, Miles Davis, Mary Lou Williams, Max Roach, Lionel Hampton, Roy Eldridge and many more. Like two books in one.
Straight Life: The Story of Art Pepper by Art Pepper and Laurie Pepper (1979)
There is something to be said for a lurid tale and Pepper’s graphic account of his struggles with drug addiction during the late 50s delivers in full. Reading about his not-at-all straight life, you can’t help but wonder how the saxophonist was able to play so great for as long as he did. Comedian and actor Marc Maron, who often talks about his own recovery from substance abuse, cites this book as a favorite read.
Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe (1989)
There is much to enjoy in this memoir by one of the music’s most creative and mercurial artists. Any serious jazz fan would want to learn what made this iconic musician tick. Given that everyone has a Miles Davis story, why shouldn’t the original provide some of his own material? The writing about his early years on the New York City jazz scene is particularly engaging and rich with detail. Throughout his travails, Miles is unapologetically blunt and profane. His collaborator Troupe deserves much credit for bringing so many ribald stories into one narrative.
Myself Among Others: A Life in Music by George Wein and Nate Chinen (2003)
The life of impresario (and pianist) Wein spans several generations and eras of jazz – from swing to bop to fusion to whatever we call modern jazz. A very expressive and thoughtful writer, Wein has plenty of behind-the-scenes stories to tell and he got help from another expressive and thoughtful writer, Nate Chinen.
I Walked with Giants: The Autobiography of Jimmy Heath by Jimmy Heath and Joseph McLaren (2010)
This Philadelphian has stories of his own to share and he intersperses them with short anecdotes from his friends and peers. The genial saxophonist fesses up to his heroin addiction which made traveling with a big band a real adventure, albeit an often tragic one. Heath did indeed walk (and play) with giants in the jazz world and he dishes about all of them in this breezy read.
Clark: The Autobiography of Clark Terry by Clark Terry with Gwen Terry (2011)
There were few jazz musicians more beloved personally and professionally than Terry, who had a long career as a sideman with Ellington, leader of his own groups, member of The Tonight Show band, educator and mentor to generations of young musicians, and an ambassador for the music. Terry does his best to put his long career in context and perspective in this book bristly with his trademark warmth and intelligence.
Benson: The Autobiography by George Benson and Alan Goldsher (2014)
Too many people see George Benson as the singing pop star who plays smooth jazz guitar, which although not inaccurate, isn’t really the full story. A virtuoso and innovator on his instrument, Benson was the true successor to guitar great Wes Montgomery and cut his teeth on the organ trio and jazz combo circuit of the 50s and early 60s. Benson fesses up to his own problems dealing with bandleaders of all stripes during that time. Like most of the jazz memoirs, Benson’s story shines brightest during the dark years of scuffling and struggle.
Herbie Hancock: Possibilities by Herbie Hancock and Lisa Dickey (2015)
Usually the story of someone who has achieved great success from a young age and seemingly has been on top of the world throughout can be a tough sell and a tiresome read. However, Hancock is candid about his struggles with personal issues including substance abuse and also offers thoughtful insight into his creative process.
Whisper Not: The Autobiography of Benny Golson by Benny Golson and Jim Merod (2016)
There aren’t many jazz musicians who can spin a yarn quite like the droll and witty Golson who has plenty of vintage material, coming up as he did in the 40s and 50s Philadelphia jazz scene alongside John Coltrane, the Heath Brothers, Dizzy Gillespie and other greats. Golson has always been a gentleman and a humble one at that, blessed with a love of language that is given an appropriate outlet in this tome.
Other memoirs of note:
Good Morning Blues: The Autobiography of Count Basie by Count Basie
Music Is My Mistress by Duke Ellington
African Rhythm: The Autobiography of Randy Weston by Randy Weston and Willard Jenkins
Let’s Get to the Nitty Gritty: The Autobiography of Horace Silver by Horace Silver and Phil Pastras
Learning to Listen: The Jazz Journey of Gary Burton by Gary Burton
The Good Life: The Autobiography of Tony Bennett by Tony Bennett
Life in E Flat: The Autobiography of Phil Woods by Phil Woods
We must add that there are excellent compilations of writing by jazz musicians, including Louis Armstrong: In His Own Write, Art Taylor’s Notes and Tones, Bill Crow’s Jazz Anecdotes and Marian McPartland’s Jazz World: All In Good Time. Although these collections are not memoirs, they do offer readers the opportunity to learn about the music from the voice and perspective of accomplished artists.
