What do you think?
Rate this book
The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
From the New York Times bestselling author of Satchel and Bobby Kennedy , a sweeping group portrait of the pioneers and longtime kings of jazz—Duke Ellington, Satchmo Armstrong, and Count Basie—who, born within a few years of one another, overcame racist exclusion and violence to become the most popular entertainers in America.
This is the story of three revolutionary American musicians, the maestro jazzmen who orchestrated the chords that throb at the soul of twentieth-century America.
What is far less known about these groundbreakers is that they were bound not just by their music or even the discrimination that they, like so many black performers of their day, routinely encountered. Each defied and ultimately overcame racial boundaries not by waging war over every slight, which never would have worked in that Jim Crow era, but by opening America’s eyes and souls to the magnificence of their music. In the process they wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement.
Based on more than 250 interviews, this exhaustively researched book brings alive the history of Black America in the early-to-mid 1900s through the singular lens of the country’s most gifted, engaging, and enduring African-American musicians.
This is the story of three revolutionary American musicians, the maestro jazzmen who orchestrated the chords that throb at the soul of twentieth-century America.
What is far less known about these groundbreakers is that they were bound not just by their music or even the discrimination that they, like so many black performers of their day, routinely encountered. Each defied and ultimately overcame racial boundaries not by waging war over every slight, which never would have worked in that Jim Crow era, but by opening America’s eyes and souls to the magnificence of their music. In the process they wrote the soundtrack for the civil rights movement.
Based on more than 250 interviews, this exhaustively researched book brings alive the history of Black America in the early-to-mid 1900s through the singular lens of the country’s most gifted, engaging, and enduring African-American musicians.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
102 people are currently reading
3526 people want to read
About the author
Larry Tye
17 books116 followersLarry Tye is a New York Times bestselling author whose most recent book is a biography of Robert F. Kennedy, the former attorney general, U.S. senator, and presidential candidate. Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon explores RFK’s extraordinary transformation from cold warrior to fiery leftist.
Tye’s first book, The Father of Spin, is a biography of public relations pioneer Edward L.Bernays. Home Lands looks at the Jewish renewal underway from Boston to Buenos Aires. Rising from the Rails explores how the black men who worked on George Pullman’s railroad sleeping cars helped kick-start the Civil Rights movement and gave birth to today’s African-American middle class. Shock, a collaboration with Kitty Dukakis, is a journalist’s first-person account of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), psychiatry’s most controversial treatment, and a portrait of how that therapy helped one woman overcome debilitating depression. Satchel is the biography of two American icons – Satchel Paige and Jim Crow. Superman tells the nearly-real life story of the most enduring American hero of the last century.
In addition to his writing, Tye runs the Boston-based Health Coverage Fellowship, which helps the media do a better job reporting on critical issues like public health, mental health, and high-tech medicine. Launched in 2001 and supported by a series of foundations, the fellowship trains a dozen medical journalists a year from newspapers,radio stations, and TV outlets nationwide.
From 1986 to 2001, Tye was an award-winning reporter at The Boston Globe, where his primary beat was medicine. He also served as the Globe’s environmental reporter, roving national writer, investigative reporter, and sports writer. Before that, he was the environmental reporter at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, and covered government and business at The Anniston Star in Alabama.
Tye, who graduated from Brown University, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1993-94. He taught journalism at Boston University, Northeastern, and Tufts.
Tye’s first book, The Father of Spin, is a biography of public relations pioneer Edward L.Bernays. Home Lands looks at the Jewish renewal underway from Boston to Buenos Aires. Rising from the Rails explores how the black men who worked on George Pullman’s railroad sleeping cars helped kick-start the Civil Rights movement and gave birth to today’s African-American middle class. Shock, a collaboration with Kitty Dukakis, is a journalist’s first-person account of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), psychiatry’s most controversial treatment, and a portrait of how that therapy helped one woman overcome debilitating depression. Satchel is the biography of two American icons – Satchel Paige and Jim Crow. Superman tells the nearly-real life story of the most enduring American hero of the last century.
In addition to his writing, Tye runs the Boston-based Health Coverage Fellowship, which helps the media do a better job reporting on critical issues like public health, mental health, and high-tech medicine. Launched in 2001 and supported by a series of foundations, the fellowship trains a dozen medical journalists a year from newspapers,radio stations, and TV outlets nationwide.
From 1986 to 2001, Tye was an award-winning reporter at The Boston Globe, where his primary beat was medicine. He also served as the Globe’s environmental reporter, roving national writer, investigative reporter, and sports writer. Before that, he was the environmental reporter at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, and covered government and business at The Anniston Star in Alabama.
Tye, who graduated from Brown University, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 1993-94. He taught journalism at Boston University, Northeastern, and Tufts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 25, 2024
This book is a parallel biography of Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. They each had a very long, successful and influential career. And they each experienced the discrimination faced by Black men in America. The book covers a tremendous amount of territory: their childhoods, early careers, experiences on the road, involvement with the civil rights movement, the women in their lives, their major works and their deaths. At times, it felt too detailed. I didn’t need to know every single town visited on a tour. However, this book adds to my appreciation of these men. I have always loved Ellington (his symphonies should not be missed), I should listen to Basie more, and I may give Armstrong another chance (I’m not a huge fan). 4.5 stars
August 14, 2025
Talk about hitting the high notes. The Jazzmen by Larry Tye is the rare example of an author who clearly loves his subject but doesn't get lost in extraneous details. Tye tells the story of three gods (some might say "the" gods of jazz) Louie Armstrong, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. You may know them all by one of their dozens of other monikers. When discussing these men, it might be better to print the legend.
Tye, however, decides to play it straight, and it works out great. Each chapter looks at a different part of all three lives. From their childhoods, transportation choices, and their relationships with God down to their (dear lord they are numerous) affairs. This is a book that feels packed to the gills while somehow only clocking in a little over 300 pages.
It probably helps that each of these men were so different while being so different. Yes, for instance, they all are jazz legends, but one was the bombastic entertainer, another the introspective brains behind the pomp and circumstance, and the final was the pomp and circumstance. Tye makes you feel how epic each of these men were. That isn't to say he fits them for halos. Tye tells the whole story, even when their choices and actions truly were monstrous. He puts them in their place in time, but he lets the reader make their choices when they are presented with complex people.
I would be remiss not to demand you not skip the footnotes in this one. I am convinced I have seen some of the greatest one-liners in history from all of these men, especially in the face of crushing and casual racism. This is a must read no matter what you think of jazz. These men were bigger than just the music for both good and bad.
(This book was presented as a review copy by Mariner Books.)
Tye, however, decides to play it straight, and it works out great. Each chapter looks at a different part of all three lives. From their childhoods, transportation choices, and their relationships with God down to their (dear lord they are numerous) affairs. This is a book that feels packed to the gills while somehow only clocking in a little over 300 pages.
It probably helps that each of these men were so different while being so different. Yes, for instance, they all are jazz legends, but one was the bombastic entertainer, another the introspective brains behind the pomp and circumstance, and the final was the pomp and circumstance. Tye makes you feel how epic each of these men were. That isn't to say he fits them for halos. Tye tells the whole story, even when their choices and actions truly were monstrous. He puts them in their place in time, but he lets the reader make their choices when they are presented with complex people.
I would be remiss not to demand you not skip the footnotes in this one. I am convinced I have seen some of the greatest one-liners in history from all of these men, especially in the face of crushing and casual racism. This is a must read no matter what you think of jazz. These men were bigger than just the music for both good and bad.
(This book was presented as a review copy by Mariner Books.)
February 16, 2025
How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
“Duke (had) …a simple formula: give crowds old favorites like “Mood Indigo” and “Take the A Train” and they’d be more receptive to his high-brow ballet or a pop arrangement from Mary Poppins. Even (his look and style of dress)…were evolving. Tired of being asked about his age and evolutions, he told columnist Art Buchwald in 1961 that “Macy’s been in the business for 50 years, but they’re not selling the same stuff they did in 1920.”…Herb Jeffries called him “the greatest hippie I ever knew.” Audience applause kept him young, the same way it did Satchmo and the Count…”
This book is about three of the most popular and influential jazz musicians. It is organized by eras (either chronological or by the evolution of jazz from hot to swing to cool, etc). It has, as expected, a lot of biographical information but the level of information is scattershot. You may be more interested than I was in who had the most mistresses or who preferred cannabis over alcohol or who had a gambling habit. On the other hand, I found the extensive chapter on nicknames to be both interesting and enlightening. Tye does well when he is describing what each of the three had to endure to succeed as musicians. They had to fight for equal rights, equal pay and, in other ways, recognition.
However, this book wants to be all things and falls short of its goal to be report clearly how these three “transformed America.”
3.5
“Duke (had) …a simple formula: give crowds old favorites like “Mood Indigo” and “Take the A Train” and they’d be more receptive to his high-brow ballet or a pop arrangement from Mary Poppins. Even (his look and style of dress)…were evolving. Tired of being asked about his age and evolutions, he told columnist Art Buchwald in 1961 that “Macy’s been in the business for 50 years, but they’re not selling the same stuff they did in 1920.”…Herb Jeffries called him “the greatest hippie I ever knew.” Audience applause kept him young, the same way it did Satchmo and the Count…”
This book is about three of the most popular and influential jazz musicians. It is organized by eras (either chronological or by the evolution of jazz from hot to swing to cool, etc). It has, as expected, a lot of biographical information but the level of information is scattershot. You may be more interested than I was in who had the most mistresses or who preferred cannabis over alcohol or who had a gambling habit. On the other hand, I found the extensive chapter on nicknames to be both interesting and enlightening. Tye does well when he is describing what each of the three had to endure to succeed as musicians. They had to fight for equal rights, equal pay and, in other ways, recognition.
However, this book wants to be all things and falls short of its goal to be report clearly how these three “transformed America.”
3.5
May 29, 2024
I feel bad for Count Basie. He's the least famous of the trio and I feel like I learned the least about him in this book. The Jazzmen is about how Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong changed music and society overall. I was discussing this book with my dad as I usually do and he agreed with me that Count Basie was the most underrated, Duke was the most celebrated during his lifetime and Louis Armstrong is the most famous now.
The Jazzmen needed to be a little longer in my opinion. I didn't feel like I could get to know any of them. Luckily I've read about Louis in the past and i loved the Ken Burns documentary about Jazz but the other two it just felt rather surface level. And as I stated before Count Basie really got the short end of the stick. I will say that I think that this book is a good introduction to Jazz and would also recommend the previously mentioned Ken Burns documentary.
Overall I enjoyed this book and it's always good to spend a couple days listening to fantastic music.....also I never liked Duke Ellington just based on vibes and now I have a legitimate reason for it!
The Jazzmen needed to be a little longer in my opinion. I didn't feel like I could get to know any of them. Luckily I've read about Louis in the past and i loved the Ken Burns documentary about Jazz but the other two it just felt rather surface level. And as I stated before Count Basie really got the short end of the stick. I will say that I think that this book is a good introduction to Jazz and would also recommend the previously mentioned Ken Burns documentary.
Overall I enjoyed this book and it's always good to spend a couple days listening to fantastic music.....also I never liked Duke Ellington just based on vibes and now I have a legitimate reason for it!
February 11, 2024
Thank you Net Gallery, publisher Mariner Books and author Larry Tye for the opportunity to read the arc ebook, “The Jazzmen”
Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie. How could three names elicit so much about music, history, culture, and human perseverance? Larry Tye has given us a book that, more than any other, details the life and times of that “trinity of jazz figures” that cast their spell over America and eventually the world. Tracing the lives of Armstrong, Ellington and Basie from their earliest years until their ultimate passing this incredibly researched book gifts us with the most detailed account of their careers, their personal lives, the impact their music had on their audiences and, of course, where and how race played such pivotal roles. There was jazz and there was an unforgiving cruel wall of prejudice, violence and social station. Louis, The Duke and The Count had to negotiate every single obstacle, not merely as black men in white America, but as artists destined to alter the musical art forever. Each led a band of musicians touring the land, avoiding trouble and tragedy, keeping bookings and salaries solid, enjoying the benefits of success and rising above the setbacks both small and large. Like Major League Baseball teams their bands featured incredibly great members ….some for four or more decades. On buses, trains and in cars they played one and two nighters, enjoyed professional residencies in hotels, clubs, ballrooms and casinos. The advent of both recordings and radio airplay, national and international tours…even film became outlets for their personas, their unique styles, their world-famous hits and their wide enthusiastic acceptance. Tye leads us thru their individual foibles, struggles, personal styles of leadership and their family ties and relationships. Three jazz giants, each moving forcefully thru fifty year careers becomes a musical journey of life laid bare and the living map of an art form. Unafraid to tackle the most traumatic issues of racial prejudice the book, specifically in later chapters, deals how each great man reacted and responded. In “Satchmo’s” case we view the aspersions cast upon a beloved idol so mistakenly accused of playing the white man’s game. Armstrong, like his two fellow musical giants, was a man of hidden qualities and heroic constitution. I heartily recommend “The Jazz Men” by Larry Tye for anyone interested in jazz history, American culture and the rich detailed lives of three great and gifted men.
Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie. How could three names elicit so much about music, history, culture, and human perseverance? Larry Tye has given us a book that, more than any other, details the life and times of that “trinity of jazz figures” that cast their spell over America and eventually the world. Tracing the lives of Armstrong, Ellington and Basie from their earliest years until their ultimate passing this incredibly researched book gifts us with the most detailed account of their careers, their personal lives, the impact their music had on their audiences and, of course, where and how race played such pivotal roles. There was jazz and there was an unforgiving cruel wall of prejudice, violence and social station. Louis, The Duke and The Count had to negotiate every single obstacle, not merely as black men in white America, but as artists destined to alter the musical art forever. Each led a band of musicians touring the land, avoiding trouble and tragedy, keeping bookings and salaries solid, enjoying the benefits of success and rising above the setbacks both small and large. Like Major League Baseball teams their bands featured incredibly great members ….some for four or more decades. On buses, trains and in cars they played one and two nighters, enjoyed professional residencies in hotels, clubs, ballrooms and casinos. The advent of both recordings and radio airplay, national and international tours…even film became outlets for their personas, their unique styles, their world-famous hits and their wide enthusiastic acceptance. Tye leads us thru their individual foibles, struggles, personal styles of leadership and their family ties and relationships. Three jazz giants, each moving forcefully thru fifty year careers becomes a musical journey of life laid bare and the living map of an art form. Unafraid to tackle the most traumatic issues of racial prejudice the book, specifically in later chapters, deals how each great man reacted and responded. In “Satchmo’s” case we view the aspersions cast upon a beloved idol so mistakenly accused of playing the white man’s game. Armstrong, like his two fellow musical giants, was a man of hidden qualities and heroic constitution. I heartily recommend “The Jazz Men” by Larry Tye for anyone interested in jazz history, American culture and the rich detailed lives of three great and gifted men.
March 8, 2025
A toupee knocked off by a bagel, laxatives, and Blazing Saddles are all just random parts of the stories careers of America’s greatest and first superstar musicians.
November 17, 2025
Journalist and popular historian Larry Tye gives us a portrait of three of the seminal figures in jazz history in contemporary jazz musicians Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie. I say portrait because, while this isn't a super slim volume, it would take multiple thousands of pages to give us biographies of these three titans of American music. As the three were contemporaries (only five years separates the births of the three) who played most of the same clubs and venues, Tye is able to follow each of them through their lives and compare and contrast their lives and their influence on jazz and American music.
For a casual fan this may be all you need. And for Basie...it's almost all you're likely to get. The Count's autobiography is...probably not as incisive as this book. And, as best I can find, there hasn't been any kind of scholarly biography of Basie since his death in 1984. Basie, as a personality, certainly always flew under the radar of Armstrong (who was simply a HUGE personality) and Ellington, but it's a sad omission that this work goes some way to correcting. I personally have biographies of the latter two on tap (though it may be a while), but Tye does a fine job of setting out the lives of three incredibly important musicians and giving us an inkling of their place in music history.
Well worth the read and for folks who just want a quick look at the most important pre-bop jazzmen probably just what you need.
For a casual fan this may be all you need. And for Basie...it's almost all you're likely to get. The Count's autobiography is...probably not as incisive as this book. And, as best I can find, there hasn't been any kind of scholarly biography of Basie since his death in 1984. Basie, as a personality, certainly always flew under the radar of Armstrong (who was simply a HUGE personality) and Ellington, but it's a sad omission that this work goes some way to correcting. I personally have biographies of the latter two on tap (though it may be a while), but Tye does a fine job of setting out the lives of three incredibly important musicians and giving us an inkling of their place in music history.
Well worth the read and for folks who just want a quick look at the most important pre-bop jazzmen probably just what you need.
Read
September 7, 2024I wanted to love this book, and it is no reflection on the author or the subject that I didn’t. It is very long and would probably be more interesting (to me) as a part of a class.
August 16, 2025
Very good. The stories and histories were well told.
May 28, 2025
If you like jazz, read this book. If you don't like jazz, consider reading it anyway. This book is a real look at three of the greatestest in jazz. It explores the positives in their lives, the negatives in their lives, and most importantly, their impact on the world through music and helping break racial barriers. It was also interesting to learn about some of the big Caucasian celebrities of their day and if they supported or didn't support the jazz movement. I loved reading this book!
December 28, 2024
The Jazz Men: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America by Larry Tye is a book that tells a complex story and at this time we need to wrestle with this history. Ellington born in 1899, Armstrong in 1901, and Basie in 1904 all came of age in an era of segregation and Jim Crow. I had read Tye’s book on Pullman Porters and other railroad workers. Few people traveled as much as musicians, who varied in how they could travel, but had to deal with segregation. As their incomes increased, and their managers aided them in negotiating barriers travel was less stressful.
Different backgrounds and their orientation to jazz differs, but they share the task of building careers during a time when the obstacles were enormous. Even with lessons, it was hard to develop a living when Black musicians were paid less than White musicians. Given the technology of the era, earning a living required performing and there were rules about who could perform and who could be in the audience. Segregation was the rule, so all Black musicians could play for White audiences, but interracial grouping were discouraged. In the early days, Black community members resented such rules. However, early in their careers, these musicians had to follow the rules, or they could not work.
Radio helped them build an audience, but traveling was difficult. The automobile means autonomy but getting gas and sorting out where to sleep on the road were challenges. When the had the financial resources, the Pullman Car offered mobility and a level of comfort, as well as the companionship of porters who knew the racial territory they had to traverse.
The way that racism shaped the music industry might be new to people. Their bands had to perform in places where they had to enter the back door and might not be able to find a decent bed for the night. Growing up in the 1950s, Ellington, Armstrong, and Count Basie were on television and performing in many clubs. In elementary school, my father was a bartender in a Black owned jazz club in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, so I was surrounded by musicians. However, there were still barriers and as they gained national and international reputations, they could insist on conditions and had contracts written to accommodate them, but many laws had to change. Armstrong would not perform in New Orleans until integrated bands could play in front of integrated audiences. Their occupations meant they were routinely challenging racial barriers and in the 1960s, becoming major spokespersons for racial justice.
Their lives were complicated: wives, mistresses, drinking and addictions, debts, and maneuvering in the territory of clubs, which meant confronting organized crime. Managers, many of them Jewish, helped these musicians manage their money and safety. Yet, they were distinct in how they shaped their lives and managed the schedule of long weeks on the road, both nationally and then later, internationally. Of course, such travel was brutal, especially as they aged.
Count Basie moved with his wife and daughter from Queens to the Bahamas, as middle-class Black folks they faced much crime and intolerance. As he aged, Amstrong and his wife stayed in Queens, visiting the same barber, following his baseball teams, and giving money to children. Ellington had more homes and used them at will. Collectively, their music shaped the images that people around the world had of this country. Indeed, the music was a bond with people on the dancefloor and via records and the radio around the nation. They also inspired and supported many others. Acclaimed in their later years, we have to wrestle with the many challenges they faced to build such careers.
Different backgrounds and their orientation to jazz differs, but they share the task of building careers during a time when the obstacles were enormous. Even with lessons, it was hard to develop a living when Black musicians were paid less than White musicians. Given the technology of the era, earning a living required performing and there were rules about who could perform and who could be in the audience. Segregation was the rule, so all Black musicians could play for White audiences, but interracial grouping were discouraged. In the early days, Black community members resented such rules. However, early in their careers, these musicians had to follow the rules, or they could not work.
Radio helped them build an audience, but traveling was difficult. The automobile means autonomy but getting gas and sorting out where to sleep on the road were challenges. When the had the financial resources, the Pullman Car offered mobility and a level of comfort, as well as the companionship of porters who knew the racial territory they had to traverse.
The way that racism shaped the music industry might be new to people. Their bands had to perform in places where they had to enter the back door and might not be able to find a decent bed for the night. Growing up in the 1950s, Ellington, Armstrong, and Count Basie were on television and performing in many clubs. In elementary school, my father was a bartender in a Black owned jazz club in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, so I was surrounded by musicians. However, there were still barriers and as they gained national and international reputations, they could insist on conditions and had contracts written to accommodate them, but many laws had to change. Armstrong would not perform in New Orleans until integrated bands could play in front of integrated audiences. Their occupations meant they were routinely challenging racial barriers and in the 1960s, becoming major spokespersons for racial justice.
Their lives were complicated: wives, mistresses, drinking and addictions, debts, and maneuvering in the territory of clubs, which meant confronting organized crime. Managers, many of them Jewish, helped these musicians manage their money and safety. Yet, they were distinct in how they shaped their lives and managed the schedule of long weeks on the road, both nationally and then later, internationally. Of course, such travel was brutal, especially as they aged.
Count Basie moved with his wife and daughter from Queens to the Bahamas, as middle-class Black folks they faced much crime and intolerance. As he aged, Amstrong and his wife stayed in Queens, visiting the same barber, following his baseball teams, and giving money to children. Ellington had more homes and used them at will. Collectively, their music shaped the images that people around the world had of this country. Indeed, the music was a bond with people on the dancefloor and via records and the radio around the nation. They also inspired and supported many others. Acclaimed in their later years, we have to wrestle with the many challenges they faced to build such careers.
August 31, 2025
A few years ago I had a great time talking with Larry Tye about his book Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero. Tye was a virtual guest at one of our Guys Book Club meetings (You can read about it in my book Men Don’t Read). During that conversation it became obvious that Tye is serious about research and displays a passion for his subjects. That passion and respect for the topic is evident with Jazzmen as Tye weaves the stories of three American jazz giants, all of them successful, iconic, and brilliant, yet each of them struggled with various weaknesses. Anyone with any interest in jazz, African American history, culture, or a great story should pick up this book immediately.
Other books I read in August, 2025:
https://andywolverton.substack.com/p/...
Other books I read in August, 2025:
https://andywolverton.substack.com/p/...
May 1, 2025
If you think you have not been influenced by jazz, read this book. Great stories and back stories about these three who met with Presidents, Popes, and world leaders and created and promoted jazz and music as a mainstay of our culture and around the world.
March 29, 2024
Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie are names as familiar as the founding fathers or Hollywood stars yet we know little of their struggles to become the greats of the Jazz Age. They all had to fight to play, not only because of competition, but because of their skin color. The three came from varied backgrounds but all of them dealt with racism in order to have their incredible talent heard. This is a comprehensive look not only the music industry and birth of jazz but also the history of the times. We see just what it meant to be a popular musician and the rigorous schedule they had to keep to in order to break even by playing clubs most of the year. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of those smoky clubs, the glamorous (for some) Pullman cars and the terror of finding yourself on a dark road in an unfriendly and dangerous part of the country. Music lovers and historians alike will find much to enjoy. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
May 21, 2024
Lots of holes in this book, and tons of musical works and history left out (I don’t know why), but overall it was pretty good. Not the best biography on these men and certainly not the definitive by any means, but it’s worth picking up.
I felt the author also focused on minuscule and worthless things too much where more important facts and stories could’ve gone in place of them. No mention of Armstrong’s long collaboration with Ella, not enough backstory in each of these Jazzmen’s film careers and long endearing friendships with the likes of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Dizzy Gillespie. It’s more of a footnote and then more extensive information about Duke’s bladder problems. I wish the author went more in depth about the making of some their iconic records: Basie’s with Ella & Sinatra, Duke’s Mood Indido album - Armstrong’s albums of the 50s and 60s—some of his best work, mere anecdotes and nothing further. That was disappointing!
I did enjoy learning more about their early life. I didn’t know enough. This book covers no holds barred on the racism these men faced and how close they were to brutality against them while on the road in their early days. Their personal lives are covered well here too, especially their affairs with mistresses. That was more info than I needed to know tbh
Overall, this wasn’t a great read and left me feeling eh. I wanted more than what was delivered. I’m giving this 4 stars however because it kept me engaged regardless of its flaws.
I felt the author also focused on minuscule and worthless things too much where more important facts and stories could’ve gone in place of them. No mention of Armstrong’s long collaboration with Ella, not enough backstory in each of these Jazzmen’s film careers and long endearing friendships with the likes of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Dizzy Gillespie. It’s more of a footnote and then more extensive information about Duke’s bladder problems. I wish the author went more in depth about the making of some their iconic records: Basie’s with Ella & Sinatra, Duke’s Mood Indido album - Armstrong’s albums of the 50s and 60s—some of his best work, mere anecdotes and nothing further. That was disappointing!
I did enjoy learning more about their early life. I didn’t know enough. This book covers no holds barred on the racism these men faced and how close they were to brutality against them while on the road in their early days. Their personal lives are covered well here too, especially their affairs with mistresses. That was more info than I needed to know tbh
Overall, this wasn’t a great read and left me feeling eh. I wanted more than what was delivered. I’m giving this 4 stars however because it kept me engaged regardless of its flaws.
August 28, 2024
This was such a great book. I have always been a fan, especially of Satchmo, but this book wove all three of their life stories in an interesting way. They were all
Important musicians, celebrities but even more importantly, as a way to integrate America. The proved that Black Americans are brilliant musicians, composers and just as elegant as any other person. The opened many doors and changed many minds.
Important musicians, celebrities but even more importantly, as a way to integrate America. The proved that Black Americans are brilliant musicians, composers and just as elegant as any other person. The opened many doors and changed many minds.
May 23, 2024
Fantastic read! Larry Tye has a very engaging style and, although the task of chronicling THREE different lives across three quarters of a century seems daunting, he does it as effortlessly as Satchmo playing a solo. I felt my feet tapping along with Count Basie through every chapter, and the genius of Sir Duke was balanced by his eccentricity in ways I haven’t seen before. Great job!
August 1, 2024
Super interesting and read like fiction. My only qualm is the redundancy regarding love interests towards the middle - dragged on a touch. However, I’m so glad I stayed to the end! The finale was my favorite part.
December 9, 2024
I enjoyed Larry Tye's book on Satchel Paige. This one, not so much. It doesn't really get into the music of this triumvirate of great performers/players so much as it addresses the sociology of developing these bands in the first half of the 20th Century. So there's not much energy.
October 8, 2024
Larry Tye always does great work, combining facts with an engaging writing style. Dominic Hoffman is a treat to hear reading the text as he has recorded Tye’s book on Satchel Paige.
November 27, 2024
My review of this book will appear in the spring 2025 Association of Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) Journal.
July 10, 2025
‘The Jazzmen’ – Vojvoda, Grof i Satchmo
Nedavno smo pisali o “3 Shades of Blue” Jamesa Kaplana, trostrukoj biografiji velikana jazza – Milesa Davisa, Johna Coltranea i Billa Evansa – kojoj je u središtu bla kruna njihove zajedničke suradnje, remek-djelo “Kind of Blue”. Nakon spomenute knjige vrlo brzo izašla je još jedno djelo naoko slične tematike, ali koja seže dalje u prošlost, “The Jazzmen” novinara Larryja Tyea, koja također služi kao životopis trojice velikana jazza – Dukea Ellingtona, Louisa Armstronga i Counta Basieja – ali u konačnici prilično drugačije izvedeno od spomenute Kaplanove knjige.
“The Jazzmen”, podnaslovljena “How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie Transformed America”, vraća nas u formativne dane jazza i njegovih prvih megazvijezda iz podnaslova, ali za razliku od standardnih glazbenih biografija uglavnom odbacuje tipični linearni slijed prepričavanja njihovih života, već njihove sličnosti i razlike predstavlja u zasebno organiziranim poglavljima o elementima njihovih sudbina i karijera koje su im bili zajednički.
Tye tako svoj narativ veže za opće i očekivane teme kao što su djetinjstvo, prve gaže, odnosi s obitelji, ženama, ljjubavnicama, menadžerima (često mutnim tipovima i gangsterima) i slično, do parafernalija kao što su prehrambene navike, zdravlje i, primjerice, odnos prema novcu. U svakom od tih poglavlja, svaki od trojice subjekata pokriven je jednom trećinom teksta, a u slučajevima kad su teme manje zanivljive, čitatelj može poželjeti da se autor u knjizi više bavi glazbom koja ih je proslavila umjesto manje bitnim crticama.
Velik dio knjige odnosi se na ono istaknuto u njezinom podnaslovu, a to je način na koji su u u prvoj polovici stoljeća ova trojica promijenili Ameriku, pri čemu se uglavnom misli na to da su crnačku glazbu i kulturu približili bijeloj publici i na taj način djelovali i na desegregaciju koja će nastupiti kasnije. To, naravno nije prošlo lako, pa je Louis Armstrong naširoko od crne publike proglašavan “Ujakom Tomom” zbog persone, nekih pjesama (poput njegove rane zaštitne pjesme “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South”) a kasnije i filmskh uloga, koja su upućivale na karikaturu crnca koja je prihvatljiva bijelcima, no činjenica je da je on bio jedan od prvih crnih muzičara kojemu je takav proboj uopće i uspio i da je otvaranje vrata drugima došlo s određenom cijenom koju ni njemu samome ponekad nije bilo lako platiti.
Ništa manje kontradiktoran, ili ako ćemo preciznije, slojevit, nije bio ni Edward Ellington koji si je još u djetinjstvu nakalemio aristokratski nadimak “Duke”, a koji je za razliku od “ponizne” Satchmove persone uzgojio uzvišenu, plemićku figuru koja mu je suprotnim putem otvorila vrata u razdoblju Jima Crowa i agresivnog rasizma u Sjedinjenim Državama. Count Basie, pak, premda nosi uzvišeni nadimak kao i Ellington, često se nalazi između dviju krajnosti svojih suvremenika i, kao i u povijesti, djelomično ostaje u njihovoj sjeni, ali to je vjerojatno zato što mu je takav put i inače odgovarao, budući da mu je bilo bitnije da svira i namiri svoj orkestar nego da “talasa”.
“The Jazzmen” piše o svojim subjektima s poštovanjem, ali je daleko od hagiografije. Naime, Tye spremno govori i o slabostima svojih protagonista, pa tako spominje Armstrongovo nasilno ponašanje prema svojim prvim suprugama koje, koliko je god plod mizoginog vremena i okruženja u kojemu je živio, ne može biti otpisano kao razumljivo ili napola prihvatljivo. Sva trojica bili su nepopravljivi serijski preljubnici, Duke usto i hipohondrični snob, Basie ovisnik o kocki koja ga je gotovo stajala karijere.
Zanimljivo je da su sva trojica imali hitove u kasnoj fazi karijere koji su im učvrstili status legendi, a Tye se posebno bavi i njihovim različitim djelovanjem u razdoblju Pokreta za građanska prava s kojim su na ovaj ili onaj način bili povezani. Autor će narative poznate iz autobiografija i biografija svakog od pojedinih džezera začiniti s dovoljno anegdota skupljenih u brojnim razgovorima (njih čak 250) s članovima obitelji i rijetkim preživjelim svjedocima vremena, što će na koncu “The Jazzmen” učiniti knjigom koja se lako čita i uvijek nalazi načine da iznenadi.
Ipak, u izbjegavanju tradicionalnog pristupa biografiji, nemoguće je ne osjetiti da ovoj knjizi nedostaje diskografskih podataka, kao i opisa same glazbe koju su svirali. Naime, pjesme koje se spominju u više od jedne rečenice moguće je nabrojati na prste. Ellingtonova “Take The A-Train”, Basiejeva “One O’Clock Jump” i Satchmova spomenuta “Sleepytime”, te kasnije “Hello, Dolly” i “What a Wonderful World” uglavnom su jedini soundtrack koji ćete upamtiti kad dovršite knjigu iz koje je jasno da su njezini junaci iza sebe ostavili mnogo, mnogo više i da je upravo to ključni razlog zašto ih se i danas pamti i zašto bi se o njima još trebala pisati knjige.
(Mariner Books, 394 stranice, meki uvez, prvo izdanje – svibanj 2024.)
Nedavno smo pisali o “3 Shades of Blue” Jamesa Kaplana, trostrukoj biografiji velikana jazza – Milesa Davisa, Johna Coltranea i Billa Evansa – kojoj je u središtu bla kruna njihove zajedničke suradnje, remek-djelo “Kind of Blue”. Nakon spomenute knjige vrlo brzo izašla je još jedno djelo naoko slične tematike, ali koja seže dalje u prošlost, “The Jazzmen” novinara Larryja Tyea, koja također služi kao životopis trojice velikana jazza – Dukea Ellingtona, Louisa Armstronga i Counta Basieja – ali u konačnici prilično drugačije izvedeno od spomenute Kaplanove knjige.
“The Jazzmen”, podnaslovljena “How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie Transformed America”, vraća nas u formativne dane jazza i njegovih prvih megazvijezda iz podnaslova, ali za razliku od standardnih glazbenih biografija uglavnom odbacuje tipični linearni slijed prepričavanja njihovih života, već njihove sličnosti i razlike predstavlja u zasebno organiziranim poglavljima o elementima njihovih sudbina i karijera koje su im bili zajednički.
Tye tako svoj narativ veže za opće i očekivane teme kao što su djetinjstvo, prve gaže, odnosi s obitelji, ženama, ljjubavnicama, menadžerima (često mutnim tipovima i gangsterima) i slično, do parafernalija kao što su prehrambene navike, zdravlje i, primjerice, odnos prema novcu. U svakom od tih poglavlja, svaki od trojice subjekata pokriven je jednom trećinom teksta, a u slučajevima kad su teme manje zanivljive, čitatelj može poželjeti da se autor u knjizi više bavi glazbom koja ih je proslavila umjesto manje bitnim crticama.
Velik dio knjige odnosi se na ono istaknuto u njezinom podnaslovu, a to je način na koji su u u prvoj polovici stoljeća ova trojica promijenili Ameriku, pri čemu se uglavnom misli na to da su crnačku glazbu i kulturu približili bijeloj publici i na taj način djelovali i na desegregaciju koja će nastupiti kasnije. To, naravno nije prošlo lako, pa je Louis Armstrong naširoko od crne publike proglašavan “Ujakom Tomom” zbog persone, nekih pjesama (poput njegove rane zaštitne pjesme “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South”) a kasnije i filmskh uloga, koja su upućivale na karikaturu crnca koja je prihvatljiva bijelcima, no činjenica je da je on bio jedan od prvih crnih muzičara kojemu je takav proboj uopće i uspio i da je otvaranje vrata drugima došlo s određenom cijenom koju ni njemu samome ponekad nije bilo lako platiti.
Ništa manje kontradiktoran, ili ako ćemo preciznije, slojevit, nije bio ni Edward Ellington koji si je još u djetinjstvu nakalemio aristokratski nadimak “Duke”, a koji je za razliku od “ponizne” Satchmove persone uzgojio uzvišenu, plemićku figuru koja mu je suprotnim putem otvorila vrata u razdoblju Jima Crowa i agresivnog rasizma u Sjedinjenim Državama. Count Basie, pak, premda nosi uzvišeni nadimak kao i Ellington, često se nalazi između dviju krajnosti svojih suvremenika i, kao i u povijesti, djelomično ostaje u njihovoj sjeni, ali to je vjerojatno zato što mu je takav put i inače odgovarao, budući da mu je bilo bitnije da svira i namiri svoj orkestar nego da “talasa”.
“The Jazzmen” piše o svojim subjektima s poštovanjem, ali je daleko od hagiografije. Naime, Tye spremno govori i o slabostima svojih protagonista, pa tako spominje Armstrongovo nasilno ponašanje prema svojim prvim suprugama koje, koliko je god plod mizoginog vremena i okruženja u kojemu je živio, ne može biti otpisano kao razumljivo ili napola prihvatljivo. Sva trojica bili su nepopravljivi serijski preljubnici, Duke usto i hipohondrični snob, Basie ovisnik o kocki koja ga je gotovo stajala karijere.
Zanimljivo je da su sva trojica imali hitove u kasnoj fazi karijere koji su im učvrstili status legendi, a Tye se posebno bavi i njihovim različitim djelovanjem u razdoblju Pokreta za građanska prava s kojim su na ovaj ili onaj način bili povezani. Autor će narative poznate iz autobiografija i biografija svakog od pojedinih džezera začiniti s dovoljno anegdota skupljenih u brojnim razgovorima (njih čak 250) s članovima obitelji i rijetkim preživjelim svjedocima vremena, što će na koncu “The Jazzmen” učiniti knjigom koja se lako čita i uvijek nalazi načine da iznenadi.
Ipak, u izbjegavanju tradicionalnog pristupa biografiji, nemoguće je ne osjetiti da ovoj knjizi nedostaje diskografskih podataka, kao i opisa same glazbe koju su svirali. Naime, pjesme koje se spominju u više od jedne rečenice moguće je nabrojati na prste. Ellingtonova “Take The A-Train”, Basiejeva “One O’Clock Jump” i Satchmova spomenuta “Sleepytime”, te kasnije “Hello, Dolly” i “What a Wonderful World” uglavnom su jedini soundtrack koji ćete upamtiti kad dovršite knjigu iz koje je jasno da su njezini junaci iza sebe ostavili mnogo, mnogo više i da je upravo to ključni razlog zašto ih se i danas pamti i zašto bi se o njima još trebala pisati knjige.
(Mariner Books, 394 stranice, meki uvez, prvo izdanje – svibanj 2024.)
September 22, 2025
This is a wonderful book. It gives a solid take on the three big band leaders, each very different in their own way. As a kid I was familiar (as most kids were?) with Armstrong and Ellington, but I was not familiar at all with Basie. I have never listened to big band music but my uncle did and he played piano too. He was a big fan of the swing bands and I recently learned that his favorite was Count Basie!
I did read Basie's book, Good Morning Blues. It's pretty much a description of him playing in many many different cities. It's repetitive. Basie does not give much away, you don't learn much about him. He's from Red Bank, NJ so he's a near hometown boy.
In Tye's book, on the other hand, you learn a lot about each man and his music. The racism these men dealt with is a tragedy. Somehow they were able to work around the awful restrictions on where they could play, who could be in the audience and where they could sleep at night. Ouch. We have no idea. They loved to play their music and with great strength of personality, they were able to do so for about 50 years. Remarkable. Other bands, like Benny Goodman and the Dorsey Brothers were only playing now and then.
Ellington was very mannered, well dressed, composed and alone. Armstrong was boisterous and happy and wanted everyone around him to be happy. Basie was quiet, though you knew he was the boss and he let his sidemen take their solos, while he stayed in the background. The Basie band were a unit, they played together and they hung out. They were the band that you probably wanted to be part of. Armstrong was the center of his band, singing, joking and blowing his horn, so his sidemen were not important. Here's a comment on Ellington's band--if the 15 of them went to dinner they would need 15 tables.
Highlights...
- Ellington. His son talked about his father not only being a great composer (Take the A Train!) but a lyricist too. His three 'sacred concerts' (they're recorded), practically every word was written by him.
- I don't think the son, Mercer, really liked his father. Must be hard to have a really famous father.
- Ellington's album from a live concert at the 1975 Newport jazz festival: Ellington at Newport. It revied his career.
- Basie on Ellington. They played together in 1961 for two weeks making their first album, First Time! The Count Meets the Duke. "It was the hardest, toughest two weeks of my life. Nobody should have to play alongside that guy. You know what? He wanted ME to take a solo on A Train. His own tune, if you please. Duke's own tune. You know what I did? I ran for the door."
- Louis and Duke got together in 1961 to record their first true collaboration, two albums: Together for the First Time and The Great Reunion.
- Basie. Most sidemen and side women could have worked with Ellington or Cab Calloway or Fletcher Henderson and many did. But most saw their time with Basie as their best.
- Jukeboxes nationwide rising from 25,000 in 1933 to 300,000 just six years later!
- All three bandleaders took care of many people. Ellington covered distant family member's medical bills, loaned money to band members and mistresses. Relatives could count on $100 anytime and need musicians $10. Basie would occasionally cover the band's hotel bills. Quincy Joes was struggling and Basie cosigned a loan. Armstrong was the softest touch of all. He gave money to kids, anyone struggling in the Great Depression, civil rights groups.
It's history, it's jazz, it's a very good read.
I did read Basie's book, Good Morning Blues. It's pretty much a description of him playing in many many different cities. It's repetitive. Basie does not give much away, you don't learn much about him. He's from Red Bank, NJ so he's a near hometown boy.
In Tye's book, on the other hand, you learn a lot about each man and his music. The racism these men dealt with is a tragedy. Somehow they were able to work around the awful restrictions on where they could play, who could be in the audience and where they could sleep at night. Ouch. We have no idea. They loved to play their music and with great strength of personality, they were able to do so for about 50 years. Remarkable. Other bands, like Benny Goodman and the Dorsey Brothers were only playing now and then.
Ellington was very mannered, well dressed, composed and alone. Armstrong was boisterous and happy and wanted everyone around him to be happy. Basie was quiet, though you knew he was the boss and he let his sidemen take their solos, while he stayed in the background. The Basie band were a unit, they played together and they hung out. They were the band that you probably wanted to be part of. Armstrong was the center of his band, singing, joking and blowing his horn, so his sidemen were not important. Here's a comment on Ellington's band--if the 15 of them went to dinner they would need 15 tables.
Highlights...
- Ellington. His son talked about his father not only being a great composer (Take the A Train!) but a lyricist too. His three 'sacred concerts' (they're recorded), practically every word was written by him.
- I don't think the son, Mercer, really liked his father. Must be hard to have a really famous father.
- Ellington's album from a live concert at the 1975 Newport jazz festival: Ellington at Newport. It revied his career.
- Basie on Ellington. They played together in 1961 for two weeks making their first album, First Time! The Count Meets the Duke. "It was the hardest, toughest two weeks of my life. Nobody should have to play alongside that guy. You know what? He wanted ME to take a solo on A Train. His own tune, if you please. Duke's own tune. You know what I did? I ran for the door."
- Louis and Duke got together in 1961 to record their first true collaboration, two albums: Together for the First Time and The Great Reunion.
- Basie. Most sidemen and side women could have worked with Ellington or Cab Calloway or Fletcher Henderson and many did. But most saw their time with Basie as their best.
- Jukeboxes nationwide rising from 25,000 in 1933 to 300,000 just six years later!
- All three bandleaders took care of many people. Ellington covered distant family member's medical bills, loaned money to band members and mistresses. Relatives could count on $100 anytime and need musicians $10. Basie would occasionally cover the band's hotel bills. Quincy Joes was struggling and Basie cosigned a loan. Armstrong was the softest touch of all. He gave money to kids, anyone struggling in the Great Depression, civil rights groups.
It's history, it's jazz, it's a very good read.
March 10, 2024
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Mariner Books for an advance copy of this musical history, biography, cultural study about three artists, who changed music, history and lives with their gifts and their chops.
Louis Armstrong. Count Basie. Duke Ellington. Three titans of entertainment, whose names will resound through history as long as humans have ears. They changed music, the way people were viewed, they changed lives, sometimes in not so positive ways, and the way a particular music genre was thought of. Sent by the United States Government as proof of American exceptionalism and goodwill, they would perform before thousands. Yet in their own America, they couldn't get a sandwich, or a room because of segregation and racism. Complicated men, who were geniuses, with family lives that could be considered difficult, at least for one, finally happy for at least two. The The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America by Larry Tye, is a look at these three titans, their lives, and legacy and of course jazz.
The book begins with separate chapters describing the early days, birth, musical training, education and early troubles, of which there was many. Ellington was a man of thought great things about himself from an early age, and formed his life and manners to conform to that dream. Armstrong was a scamp who started dancing for coins, moved in to music, and petty theft, finding himself and mentors in reform school who taught him much. Basie was born in New Jersey, with parents who kept a lot of secrets, which music was an escape from. The book than explores various themes such as religion, gambling, road stories, and fame. Basie was a huge gambler and lost so much on the horses that he had to reduce his band in numbers, and tour just to pay off his losses. Ellington hated to lose so much he would bet on all the numbers. As fame grew so did the pressures, not just to succeed, but how the public perceived them. Most thought of Armstrong as sort of a minstrel singer. Ellington until his Newport resurgence was thought of as washed up. And all were not thought of as not doing enough for the civil rights movement. Something that bothered all three men.
A book that is about much more than just music. Tye is a very good writer, and an amazing researcher, tracking down stories, even a few different stories to try and get to the truth. I like the themes for the chapters as it is easier to get insight into these men, knowing that while years might serperate them, all of them had the same problems. Being African-American meant huge problems touring. And something I never thought of, huge losses in revenue, as the entertainment field would not pay black entertainers near what they would pay whites. Plus Tye discusses some of the famous black woman in jazz history, and gives them their due. The way Tye presents everything gives a real insight into these men. Reading about Ellington working with Billy Strayhorn creating a song, Armstrong buying ice cream for the neighborhood kids, Basie suddenly lost without his wife, his health fading still doing shows because that is what he knew. Really beautiful writing.
Recommended for jazz fans of course, and anyone interested in musical history. Also this is a great look at an era in America where music, life, and people were changing, even if they didn't want to. A great book, and one of my new favorites on jazz.
Louis Armstrong. Count Basie. Duke Ellington. Three titans of entertainment, whose names will resound through history as long as humans have ears. They changed music, the way people were viewed, they changed lives, sometimes in not so positive ways, and the way a particular music genre was thought of. Sent by the United States Government as proof of American exceptionalism and goodwill, they would perform before thousands. Yet in their own America, they couldn't get a sandwich, or a room because of segregation and racism. Complicated men, who were geniuses, with family lives that could be considered difficult, at least for one, finally happy for at least two. The The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America by Larry Tye, is a look at these three titans, their lives, and legacy and of course jazz.
The book begins with separate chapters describing the early days, birth, musical training, education and early troubles, of which there was many. Ellington was a man of thought great things about himself from an early age, and formed his life and manners to conform to that dream. Armstrong was a scamp who started dancing for coins, moved in to music, and petty theft, finding himself and mentors in reform school who taught him much. Basie was born in New Jersey, with parents who kept a lot of secrets, which music was an escape from. The book than explores various themes such as religion, gambling, road stories, and fame. Basie was a huge gambler and lost so much on the horses that he had to reduce his band in numbers, and tour just to pay off his losses. Ellington hated to lose so much he would bet on all the numbers. As fame grew so did the pressures, not just to succeed, but how the public perceived them. Most thought of Armstrong as sort of a minstrel singer. Ellington until his Newport resurgence was thought of as washed up. And all were not thought of as not doing enough for the civil rights movement. Something that bothered all three men.
A book that is about much more than just music. Tye is a very good writer, and an amazing researcher, tracking down stories, even a few different stories to try and get to the truth. I like the themes for the chapters as it is easier to get insight into these men, knowing that while years might serperate them, all of them had the same problems. Being African-American meant huge problems touring. And something I never thought of, huge losses in revenue, as the entertainment field would not pay black entertainers near what they would pay whites. Plus Tye discusses some of the famous black woman in jazz history, and gives them their due. The way Tye presents everything gives a real insight into these men. Reading about Ellington working with Billy Strayhorn creating a song, Armstrong buying ice cream for the neighborhood kids, Basie suddenly lost without his wife, his health fading still doing shows because that is what he knew. Really beautiful writing.
Recommended for jazz fans of course, and anyone interested in musical history. Also this is a great look at an era in America where music, life, and people were changing, even if they didn't want to. A great book, and one of my new favorites on jazz.
September 16, 2024
The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie transformed America is a serviceable biography of three jazz pioneers who shaped the musical landscape of the United States and, eventually, the entire world.
The book essentially function as an abbreviated biography of these three jazz standouts while also examining the broader social and racial context in which they performed. From Louis Armstrong's rise up from a challenging neighborhood in New Orleans to Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington's childhood in D.C. to the Red Bank, New Jersey-born William James "Count" Basie-child of a laundress and coachmen-the sometimes intersecting lives of this trio is documented by journalist Larry Tye.
The pacing of the book is superb. The author did nice work blending together analyses of the jazz components of the book (by looking at just how much it transformed the landscape of music) with anecdotes and stories from the lives of three lively men.
Ellington (born 1899), Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (1901), and Count Basie (1904) were all born within five years of one another around the turn of the twentieth century. They came of age during the early stirrings of the civil rights movement and were approaching the middle of their lives when things really began to get heavy in the 1950s.
Tye looked at them, warts and all; admirable acts are included alongside an at times big dose of drug usage and sexual promiscuities. His willingness to do this allowed The Jazzmen to feel like a more authentic look at these men's contributions.
The narrative demonstrates how each approached discrimination received in their own lives, with Armstrong taking particularly umbrage toward how he was treated in his own hometown. Although some white singer-friends like Frank Sinatra and Dave Brubeck for the most part came across looking broad-minded, it took some time for the culture at large to embrace jazz as art.
But despite these shortcomings in their own country, the musical trio were deeply patriotic individuals. A later chapter in the book looks at how Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie (sometimes to a point they were criticized for by more jaded Americans) were utilized as sort of cultural weapon during the 1960s-70s, traveling to the eastern bloc and spreading a positive image of the West beyond the Iron Curtain.
Although this is a good read, it would have been nice if the author had shown a bit more knowledge of the ins and outs of the actual jazz music. He seemed to have only a surface level knowledge with it, and having this in the text would have strengthened The Jazzmen's overall enjoyability.
It was not lacking, however, when it came to the depth of information supplied on Ellington, Basie, and Armstrong's (two of whom took royal titles in their nicknames) personalities and personal lives.
The Jazzmen needs to be considered by anyone who loves learning about the background of jazz and its development as a uniquely American form of music.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
The book essentially function as an abbreviated biography of these three jazz standouts while also examining the broader social and racial context in which they performed. From Louis Armstrong's rise up from a challenging neighborhood in New Orleans to Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington's childhood in D.C. to the Red Bank, New Jersey-born William James "Count" Basie-child of a laundress and coachmen-the sometimes intersecting lives of this trio is documented by journalist Larry Tye.
The pacing of the book is superb. The author did nice work blending together analyses of the jazz components of the book (by looking at just how much it transformed the landscape of music) with anecdotes and stories from the lives of three lively men.
Ellington (born 1899), Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong (1901), and Count Basie (1904) were all born within five years of one another around the turn of the twentieth century. They came of age during the early stirrings of the civil rights movement and were approaching the middle of their lives when things really began to get heavy in the 1950s.
Tye looked at them, warts and all; admirable acts are included alongside an at times big dose of drug usage and sexual promiscuities. His willingness to do this allowed The Jazzmen to feel like a more authentic look at these men's contributions.
The narrative demonstrates how each approached discrimination received in their own lives, with Armstrong taking particularly umbrage toward how he was treated in his own hometown. Although some white singer-friends like Frank Sinatra and Dave Brubeck for the most part came across looking broad-minded, it took some time for the culture at large to embrace jazz as art.
But despite these shortcomings in their own country, the musical trio were deeply patriotic individuals. A later chapter in the book looks at how Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie (sometimes to a point they were criticized for by more jaded Americans) were utilized as sort of cultural weapon during the 1960s-70s, traveling to the eastern bloc and spreading a positive image of the West beyond the Iron Curtain.
Although this is a good read, it would have been nice if the author had shown a bit more knowledge of the ins and outs of the actual jazz music. He seemed to have only a surface level knowledge with it, and having this in the text would have strengthened The Jazzmen's overall enjoyability.
It was not lacking, however, when it came to the depth of information supplied on Ellington, Basie, and Armstrong's (two of whom took royal titles in their nicknames) personalities and personal lives.
The Jazzmen needs to be considered by anyone who loves learning about the background of jazz and its development as a uniquely American form of music.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
September 3, 2025
Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Duke Ellington are not just black icons, music icons, or jazz icons, but American icons. As figures that helped shape popular culture and music for future generations, they were men who broke barriers and laid the groundwork for what the music industry would one day become. Larry Tye’s examination of these men refrains from the usual linear approach exploring their lives, and instead seeks to explore each of these seminal American figures through lenses that defined who they were as people and musicians. Exploring the style, private lives, money, career, opinions on race and more, Tye allows readers to gain a full picture of each man and his legacy, without ever giving one of the Jazzmen too much of a priority in the story. This book gives each of these men credit for their achievements without ever making them into angels, recognizing the good and the bad about each man and what made him special to those both publicly and privately. This is one of the best books about music men that I have ever read, and strongly encourage all readers, regardless of music taste, to give this one a chance.
February 6, 2025
Decent book. I forget how this got on my radar or why I picked it up, but dangit - it got on my radar and I picked it up.
It tells a thematic triple-biography. Each of the big three get an opening chapter on their childhoods, and after that each remaining chapter covers a topic and how that topic affected all three of them. There are chapters about life on the road, about their usage of language, about their sidemen, about their women, about their managers, about religion, about addictions, about race, about going overseas, and about death -- and many more. It's a decent enough approach in which you simaltaneously get more and less out of it than a normal life-and-times chronological approach. You get more in that you do get a sense of how these themes affected them. You get less in that their actual lives are a hazy blur.
It tells a thematic triple-biography. Each of the big three get an opening chapter on their childhoods, and after that each remaining chapter covers a topic and how that topic affected all three of them. There are chapters about life on the road, about their usage of language, about their sidemen, about their women, about their managers, about religion, about addictions, about race, about going overseas, and about death -- and many more. It's a decent enough approach in which you simaltaneously get more and less out of it than a normal life-and-times chronological approach. You get more in that you do get a sense of how these themes affected them. You get less in that their actual lives are a hazy blur.
January 5, 2026
I couldn’t have chosen a better book to start this new year to. Absolutely loaded with untold stories, many of which were jaw-dropping and spellbinding. It’s unbelievable what these guys endured during Jim Crow. Musicians with loud electric guitars are often exclusively seen as tough. Let me tell you - no one was tougher than these guys with trumpets and pianos in a society that demonized and dehumanized them because of the tone of their skin.
The contributions of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (my favorite artist to ever live) and Basie far transcend the realm of music. As the title says, they transformed an entire country, and not merely one but much of the world at that.
The writing is also noteworthy. Larry Tye electrified every page with stories that are so vibrant they could be acutely felt, in mind and in spirit.
This is a remarkable work of nonfiction.
The contributions of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (my favorite artist to ever live) and Basie far transcend the realm of music. As the title says, they transformed an entire country, and not merely one but much of the world at that.
The writing is also noteworthy. Larry Tye electrified every page with stories that are so vibrant they could be acutely felt, in mind and in spirit.
This is a remarkable work of nonfiction.
January 16, 2025
Got this book as a gift and it was so fun to read. I always loved the music and by extension the personalities so it was good to uncover what really made these guys who they were. It is a dramatic story about the impact they had on the changing of attitudes over the decades.
The book was well researched and full of interesting anecdotes. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that the story seemed academic in a few places, for example the listing of chronological events didn’t necessarily add to the story and felt a bit forced.
I am glad I read the book. I love these 3 artists even more now, if that is possible.
The book was well researched and full of interesting anecdotes. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is that the story seemed academic in a few places, for example the listing of chronological events didn’t necessarily add to the story and felt a bit forced.
I am glad I read the book. I love these 3 artists even more now, if that is possible.
August 1, 2025
Writing about music is particularly challenging. This book does it incredibly well. It follows a structure similar to Founding Brothers or A Team of Rivals, two political biographies with multiple characters at the center. Here, the heroes are thee Jazz musicians and their own lives, but also the transformation they witnessed and brought about in 20th century America. It is not the most exhaustive biography of the three men, but comparison creates a rich portrait of their time - Jim Crow, the Depression, Civil Rights,The Cold War - against which they tirelessly compose and perform their music, and shape the entire genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews