Leonard Feather

Leonard Feather (1914-1994) was a British-born jazz pianist, composer, and one of the most influential jazz critics and historians of the 20th century. His work as a journalist, author, and producer helped shape the discourse around jazz music for several decades. Feather wrote extensively for DownBeat magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and other major publications, establishing himself as a leading voice in jazz criticism from the 1940s through the 1980s. His Encyclopedia of Jazz series, first published in 1955, became a standard reference work in the field. As a composer and musician, he wrote several jazz standards including "Evil Gal Blues" and "How Blue Can You Get," which were recorded by notable artists including Dinah Washington and B.B. King. He also produced numerous recording sessions and radio broadcasts that documented important developments in jazz. Feather's efforts to combat racial discrimination in the jazz world were significant, as he consistently promoted African American musicians and spoke out against segregation in the music industry. His book Inside Jazz (originally titled Inside Be-Bop) provided one of the first serious examinations of bebop music and its cultural significance.

Readers respect Feather's deep knowledge of jazz and his firsthand relationships with musicians, though some find his writing style dry and academic. His "Encyclopedia of Jazz" series receives high marks for comprehensiveness and accuracy, while his reviews and criticism gain credibility from his experience as a pianist and composer. Likes: - Detailed musician profiles and interviews - Historical accuracy and research - Personal anecdotes from jazz scene - Clear musical analysis Dislikes: - Dense, textbook-like prose - Dated cultural perspectives from mid-20th century - Focus on mainstream jazz over avant-garde - Limited coverage of European and world jazz Ratings: Encyclopedia of Jazz series: 4.3/5 (Goodreads, 89 ratings) The Jazz Years - Earwitness to an Era: 4.1/5 (Amazon, 12 ratings) Inside Bebop: 4.0/5 (Goodreads, 24 ratings) One reader noted: "His writing captures the personalities behind the music, not just the technical details." Another commented: "Sometimes gets bogged down in minutiae, but remains a reliable jazz historian."

The Encyclopedia Of Jazz (1955) A comprehensive reference book featuring biographies of jazz musicians, a history of jazz styles, and a detailed jazz chronology through the mid-1950s.

The Encyclopedia Of Jazz In The Sixties (1966) An updated volume covering jazz developments and musicians of the 1960s, including detailed biographical entries and analysis of the era's musical trends.

The Passion For Jazz (1980) A personal account of Feather's experiences in jazz, including his interactions with major musicians and his observations of the music's evolution.

The Jazz Years: Earwitness to an Era (1986) A memoir chronicling Feather's career as a jazz critic and his firsthand accounts of significant moments in jazz history.

From Satchmo to Miles (1972) A collection of essays and interviews examining the development of jazz through profiles of influential musicians from Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis.

Inside Jazz (1977) A detailed examination of jazz styles, techniques, and personalities, originally published in 1949 as "Inside Be-Bop."

The Book of Jazz: A Guide to the Entire Field (1957) A comprehensive overview of jazz history, styles, and major figures, written for both novice listeners and experienced enthusiasts.

The New Edition of the Encyclopedia of Jazz (1960) An expanded version of the original encyclopedia, including updated entries and additional biographical information about jazz musicians.

The New Edition of the Encyclopedia of Jazz: In the Seventies (1976) The final installment of Feather's encyclopedia series, documenting jazz developments and musicians of the 1970s.