NPR: Jazz Profiles
This documentary series profiles the legends and legacy of jazz. Hosted by singer Nancy Wilson, each episode brings to life the vibrant history of the genre through music, interviews and commentary. The fascinating stories reflected in this series are v
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Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way
Unlike the vast majority of jazz musicians, the pianist and composer was blessed with both talent and commercial success. His blend of experimental and lyrical approaches made him one of the biggest draws of his day — and ever since.
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Oscar Peterson: Piano Master
The famed virtuoso commanded the entire keyboard with incredible dexterity, drive and precision, while performing around the world for more than 50 years, accruing countless honors, awards and critical accolades.
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Tito Puente: 'El Rey'
He was a dynamic percussionist, a masterful arranger and an irrepressible showman. Throughout a career lasting more than 50 years, Puente fused American jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, earning him the title King of Latin Music.
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Rosemary Clooney: An American Treasure
For more than fifty years, Rosemary Clooney's simple and exquisite singing style defined her dynamic career. She also appeared in movies and had a star turn on television, but it was her successful and inspired music that cemented her reputation as one of America's finest jazz-based vocalists.
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Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 2
The scope and breadth of Duke Ellington's compositions were far-reaching, drawing many influences together to create a cohesive and diverse sound. Composing consumed Ellington around the clock, and his musical legacy is a timeless contribution to American music.
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Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 1
Duke Ellington composed some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, producing more than one thousand lasting works. With groundbreaking hits such as "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo," Ellington vividly communicated universal ideas, while inventing musical concepts that helped elevate j …
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Milt Hinton: The Ultimate Timekeeper
Bassist Milt Hinton, known as the "Judge," was considered to be the ultimate timekeeper. With his buoyant tempos and fat, booming sound, Hinton provided the rhythmic foundation for many jazz greats.
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Illinois Jacquet: King Of The Screeching Tenor
Bandleader Illinois Jacquet was recognized as the king of the tenor saxophone. During his long career, Jacquet played with everyone from Basie to Lionel Hampton and gained notoriety for his wild, honking solo in "Flying Home," which heralded a new approach to playing known as the "Texas tenor style. …
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Jay 'Hootie' McShann: Kansas City Swingman
"Hootie" to his friends, bluesman supreme Jay McShann served as the living legacy to Kansas City jazz. As bandleader, pianist, singer and composer, McShann was an unsung yet influential figure. During the '40s, his orchestra became an important launching pad for prominent soloists including Charlie …
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Al Grey: The Last Big Time Plunger
Trombonist Al Grey was highly regarded as "the last of the big time plungers" thanks to his skill at using a plumber's plunger to manipulate tones coming from the bell of his trombone. Grey rose to prominence as a soloist and gifted accompanist to singers, developing a unique style playing in the ba …
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Anita O'Day: High Times And Hard Times
Celebrated jazz singer Anita O'Day experienced both the "high times and hard times" — as her autobiography is so aptly titled. Despite drug addiction that interfered with her potential for super-stardom, she made a profound impact with her exceptional range, improvisation and skillful interpre …
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Artie Shaw: The Reluctant Jazz Star
Shaw was the temperamental leader of some of the hottest swing bands of his era. Though he had huge hits with Begin the Beguine and Frenesi, Shaw disdained the spotlight, and his bands never lasted long.
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Ellis Larkins: The Patient Pianist
Larkins was a classically trained pianist and teacher, as well as the first black student at the Peabody Conservatory. But he's best remembered as an accompanist to Ella Fitzgerald.
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Doc Cheatham: Jazz History's Eyewitness
Known for his articulation and clarity as both an ensemble player and an expressive soloist, trumpeter Doc Cheatham was comfortable playing big, brassy music. But his sound could also be soft and delicate.
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Al Hibbler: Unchained Melodist
A rich, supple baritone, Hibbler brought many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads to life during an eight-year stint with the orchestra. He went on to a long and successful solo career, becoming the country's first prominent blind performer.
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Stanley Turrentine: Saxophone 'Sugar Man'
Known for his big, warm sound, saxophonist Stanley Turrentine found inspiration in the blues and turned it into a hugely successful career in music. Known as "The Sugar Man" or the original "Mr. T," Turrentine produced dozens of original recordings, including a No. 1 hit and four Grammy nominations …
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Jimmy Smith: Organ Grinder Swing
Once described as an "excitement merchant" for his soul-stirring sound, keyboard wizard Jimmy Smith brought the Hammond B-3 organ from novelty status to the forefront of the jazz community through innovation and prolific recording.
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The Village Vanguard: A Hallowed Basement
The small triangular room with low ceilings and remarkable acoustics has staged plenty of essential jazz recordings. But it's only a small fraction of what has transpired at the world's oldest continuously operated jazz club.
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Nat Adderley: Brotherly Swing
Nat Adderly was a fine trumpet player. But he spent most of his career in the shadow of his older brother, Julian "Cannonball" Adderly. Nat ran the band business and wrote many of their hits. When Cannonball died, Nat carried on, not only with the band, but also with the family tradition of educatin …
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Betty Carter: Fiercely Individual
An electric performer, Carter was an irrepressible and incomparable practitioner of the jazz vocal tradition. For nearly 50 years, the intense vocalist blazed her own trail in jazz, powered by her passionate, intense singing.
NPR: Jazz Profiles
