Jazz Bios & Autobios

[mebusdriver]

I don't read much. But for some reason I really take interest in the stories about musicians. I've read Mingus' book, one on Miles, Wayne Shorter, and of course Jaco's. Just saw one on Artie Shaw that I'm going to pick up real soon.

Can you guys recommend some good bios or autobios on some of the old jazz guys? Evidently being a jazz musician back then was a crazy way to live. Lol. They always have really interesting stories. Thanks.

I recommend.....
Becoming the Underdog..... The Charles Mingus story.

Footprints. The life and work of Wayne Shorter.

The autobiography. Miles Davis with Quincy Troup.

Jaco. The extraordinary and tragic life of Jaco Pastorius.

[BassChuck]

I read one on Harry James last summer that was good. Great musical highs for his day, tragic personal lows... a man who had amazing talent and sold out and realized late in life... had little options. The author did his best to paint a happy face on it.

"Pops" on the life of Louis Armstrong is interesting. We lose track today of what an innovator he was. Louis really shaped popular music in the 20th century.

The Mingus book is good, lots of BS, but that's what makes it good.

If you're into the older things, "1791" by H. Robbins Landon is a really fine book on the life of Mozart. Confirms and contests many of the things in the movie "Amadeus".

[JimK]

Check out these on John Coltrane...
John Coltrane: His Life & Music- Lewis Porter
Ascension: John Coltrane & His Quest- Eric Nisenson

Bird Lives!- Ross Russell
...parallels some of what you already read in the Miles' bio.

If you're into Miles, this one, on his electric period just after the 2nd Great 5-tet, is great-
Miles Beyond- Paul Tingen
http://www.amazon.com/Miles-Beyond-E...5554205&sr=1-1

Fance Of The Infidels: A Portrait Of Bud Powell- Francis Paudras
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Infidels...5554264&sr=1-1

Not "Jazz", per se...but recommended & easy/fun to read + some Jamerson info-
Guitars, Bars & Motown Superstars- Dennis Coffey
http://www.amazon.com/Guitars-Motown...5554351&sr=1-1

Talk about being on top as a 1st Call sessioneer, then with a big hit ("Scorpio") & then eventually having to go find a job in the Michigan auto industry (tearing those hands up)...to being "dissed" with the SITSOM revival. Good read.

[Swampman Cory]

Jade Visions. Scott LaFaro biography.

http://www.amazon.com/Jade-Visions-M...5554778&sr=8-1

Also, not exactly what you're looking for, I don't think, but:
http://www.amazon.com/Jazz-Bass-Arti...5554890&sr=8-2

[Bassmickeyd]

Art Pepper (Straight Life) is very good.

Not Jazz
Full Moon (Keith Moon)
Backstage Passes and Back Stabbing Bastards. (Al Kooper)
Both very funny and informative to the music biz.

[mebusdriver]

Awesome!! Looks like I've got some reading to do. Thanks!

[Shakin-Slim]

Straight, No Chaser - The Life and Genius of Thelonious Monk