Raise Up Off Me

Raise Up Off Me is Hampton Hawes' autobiography, chronicling his journey as a jazz pianist in Los Angeles from the 1940s through the 1960s. The book captures his experiences in the bebop era, performing with major jazz figures and developing his distinctive piano style. Hawes recounts his path from a preacher's son to a musician, including his time in the army, his struggles with heroin addiction, and his eventual imprisonment. The narrative follows his career ups and downs, his relationships, and his eventual presidential pardon from John F. Kennedy. Written with Don Asher, the book provides an insider's view of the Los Angeles jazz scene and the broader cultural shifts of the mid-20th century. The writing style mirrors Hawes' musical approach - direct, honest, and without embellishment. This autobiography stands as both a personal testament and a historical document, offering insights into the intersection of jazz, race, addiction, and redemption in American society.

Readers describe this as one of the most honest and raw jazz autobiographies, with Hawes' voice coming through clearly in the telling of his life story. The book stands out for its unflinching portrayal of drug addiction, racism, and the 1950s jazz scene. Liked: - Direct, conversational writing style - Detailed accounts of playing with jazz legends - Candid discussion of heroin addiction and prison time - Vivid descriptions of Los Angeles jazz culture Disliked: - Some passages move too quickly through important events - A few readers wanted more details about specific musical techniques - Limited coverage of his later years Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (116 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) "The most honest book about jazz life I've ever read" appears in multiple reader reviews. One reader noted it "reads like Hawes is sitting next to you telling stories." Several jazz musicians have cited it as the most accurate portrayal of the 1950s bebop scene.

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🎵 Hampton Hawes wrote most of this acclaimed jazz memoir while serving time in prison for heroin possession before being pardoned by President Kennedy in 1963. 🎹 At age 13, Hawes was already playing professional jazz gigs in Los Angeles clubs, having to be chaperoned by his parents due to his young age. 📖 The book's raw, honest narrative style was groundbreaking for a jazz memoir at the time, as Hawes openly discussed his drug addiction, racism, and personal struggles. 🌟 Charlie Parker personally mentored Hawes and would often stay at his family's home when performing in Los Angeles during the 1940s. 🎼 Co-author Don Asher, himself a pianist, spent countless hours recording Hawes's stories on tape during their weekend sessions, preserving the musician's distinctive voice and vernacular in the text.