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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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.
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Norman Granz: Jazz Genius Behind The Scenes
Norman Granz had no equal as an impresario in jazz and popular music. He founded Verve and Pablo records. He created Jazz at the Philharmonic, a touring concert series that was helpful in promoting the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Roy E ...
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Jackie McLean: 'Jackie's Bag'
In nearly six decades of performing, the alto saxophonist lived a quintessential jazz survivor's life. The bebop veteran emerged from the shadows of Charlie Parker, as well as heroin addiction, to make music bristling with passion and directness.
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Harry 'Sweets' Edison: Simplicity In Swing
Known as a premier accompanist to singers and a masterful soloist, the inimitable trumpeter cultivated a spare yet bluesy approach. His career spanned a long stay with the original Count Basie band, as well as an even lengthier solo career.
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Tommy Flanagan: Jazz Poet
Tommy Flanagan's soft-spoken manner reflected his quietly understated playing. Known for his style and technique, he was one of bebop's most important pianists. Born into the fertile Detroit jazz scene, he played with Milt Jackson, Kenny Burrell, and Thad and Elvin Jones. In 1956, Flanagan moved to ...
NPR: Jazz Profiles
