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Jazz Is Nat Hentoff: A Comprehensive Examination of the Life and Legacy of the Legendary Jazz Critic

Nathan Reed

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Nat Hentoff was one of the most influential jazz critics of all time. His work shaped the way that we think about jazz music, and he helped to bring the genre to a wider audience. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Hentoff's life and legacy, exploring his contributions to jazz criticism and his impact on the music world.

Early Life and Career

Nat Hentoff was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1925. He developed a love of jazz at a young age, and he began writing about the genre in the early 1940s. In 1948, he joined the staff of DownBeat magazine, where he quickly became one of the most respected jazz critics in the country.

Jazz Is

by Nat Hentoff

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5018 KB
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Print length	:	288 pages
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Hentoff's writing was characterized by its intelligence, wit, and passion. He was a master of the art of jazz criticism, and he was able to communicate his love of the music to readers in a way that was both informative and entertaining.

Contributions to Jazz Criticism

Hentoff's contributions to jazz criticism are immeasurable. He helped to establish the genre as a legitimate form of music, and he played a major role in shaping the way that we think about jazz today.

One of Hentoff's most important contributions was his insistence on the importance of improvisation. He argued that improvisation was the essence of jazz, and he believed that it was what made the genre so unique and special.

Hentoff was also a strong advocate for the rights of jazz musicians. He spoke out against racism and discrimination in the music industry, and he helped to ensure that jazz musicians were treated with the respect they deserved.

Impact on the Music World

Hentoff's work had a profound impact on the music world. He helped to bring jazz to a wider audience, and he played a major role in shaping the way that we think about the genre.

Hentoff was also a mentor to many young jazz musicians. He helped to launch the careers of such artists as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk.

Personal Life

Hentoff was married twice. His first marriage, to Marion Magaziner, ended in divorce. He later married Margot Albert, with whom he had two children.

Hentoff was a lifelong activist for social justice. He was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement, and he spoke out against war and violence.

Hentoff died in 2017 at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife, Margot, and his two children.

Legacy

Nat Hentoff was one of the most important figures in the history of jazz. His work helped to shape the genre, and he played a major role in bringing it to a wider audience. Hentoff was also a passionate advocate for social justice, and he used his voice to speak out against racism, discrimination, and war.

Hentoff's legacy will continue to inspire generations of jazz musicians and fans. He was a true giant of the music world, and his contributions to jazz are immeasurable.

Nat Hentoff was a legendary jazz critic who made a profound impact on the music world. His work helped to shape the genre, and he played a major role in bringing it to a wider audience. Hentoff was also a passionate advocate for social justice, and he used his voice to speak out against racism, discrimination, and war.

Hentoff's legacy will continue to inspire generations of jazz musicians and fans. He was a true giant of the music world, and his contributions to jazz are immeasurable.

Jazz Is

by Nat Hentoff

4.7 out of 5