Maurice Summerfield has informed me, via info received from Phyllis Kessel, that Nat Hentoff has died.
Hentoff was many things in his life and a lot of them were political which, being an American, isn't surprising.
For us 'over here' he was the man who, in conjunction with Nat Shapiro, wrote what many consider to be the first truly great and authentic book on jazz. Hear Me Talkin' To Ya. Probably the first book where a knowledgeable pair of enthusiasts got out there and spoke to the men who made the music. The men who laid the foundation for every riff or solo played today or tomorrow. Even now, over 60 years later, it is still compelling reading. I could use just about every page as material for our Bebop Spoken There section, and I'm often tempted, but that would be like a crib.
The fact is that Hentoff had an acute perception on, not just jazz, but life.
Nat Hentoff died on January 7, aged 91.
Rest In Peace - your legacy will remain.
Nat Hentoff.Lance.
2 comments :
How many times have I read that name?
The first, and best book I ever read on jazz - oral testimony from the people involved. Every jazz fan should have a (well-thumbed) copy!
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