NPR Series: NPR's 'Jazz Profiles' http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10208861&ft=1&f=10208861 This documentary series profiles the legends and legacy of jazz. Hosted by singer Nancy Wilson, the program brings to life the vibrant history of the genre through music, interviews, and commentary. The fascinating stories reflected in this series are very human tales that any news junkie or jazz aficionado can relate to. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:01:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif NPR's 'Jazz Profiles' http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10208861&ft=1&f=10208861 Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way Unlike the vast majority of jazz musicians, the pianist and composer was blessed with both talent and commercial success. His blend of experimental and lyrical approaches made him one of the biggest draws of his day — and ever since. Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98696418&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98696418&ft=1&f=10208861 Unlike the vast majority of jazz musicians, the pianist and composer was blessed with both talent and commercial success. His blend of experimental and lyrical approaches made him one of the biggest draws of his day — and ever since.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Oscar Peterson: Piano Master The famed virtuoso commanded the entire keyboard with incredible dexterity, drive and precision, while performing around the world for more than 50 years, accruing countless honors, awards and critical accolades. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:12:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98358091&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98358091&ft=1&f=10208861 The famed virtuoso commanded the entire keyboard with incredible dexterity, drive and precision, while performing around the world for more than 50 years, accruing countless honors, awards and critical accolades.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Tito Puente: 'El Rey' He was a dynamic percussionist, a masterful arranger and an irrepressible showman. Throughout a career lasting more than 50 years, Puente fused American jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, earning him the title King of Latin Music. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98051981&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98051981&ft=1&f=10208861 He was a dynamic percussionist, a masterful arranger and an irrepressible showman. Throughout a career lasting more than 50 years, Puente fused American jazz with Afro-Cuban rhythms, earning him the title King of Latin Music.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Rosemary Clooney: An American Treasure For more than fifty years, Rosemary Clooney's simple and exquisite singing style defined her dynamic career. She also appeared in movies and had a star turn on television, but it was her successful and inspired music that cemented her reputation as one of America's finest jazz-based vocalists. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:12:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97743057&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97743057&ft=1&f=10208861 For more than fifty years, Rosemary Clooney's simple and exquisite singing style defined her dynamic career. She also appeared in movies and had a star turn on television, but it was her successful and inspired music that cemented her reputation as one of America's finest jazz-based vocalists.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 2 The scope and breadth of Duke Ellington's compositions were far-reaching, drawing many influences together to create a cohesive and diverse sound. Composing consumed Ellington around the clock, and his musical legacy is a timeless contribution to American music. Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:25:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97310712&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97310712&ft=1&f=10208861 The scope and breadth of Duke Ellington's compositions were far-reaching, drawing many influences together to create a cohesive and diverse sound. Composing consumed Ellington around the clock, and his musical legacy is a timeless contribution to American music.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Duke Ellington: The Composer, Pt. 1 Duke Ellington composed some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, producing more than one thousand lasting works. With groundbreaking hits such as "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo," Ellington vividly communicated universal ideas, while inventing musical concepts that helped elevate jazz to a sophisticated art form. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:16:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97193567&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97193567&ft=1&f=10208861 Duke Ellington composed some of the most enduring music of the 20th century, producing more than one thousand lasting works. With groundbreaking hits such as "Sophisticated Lady" and "Mood Indigo," Ellington vividly communicated universal ideas, while inventing musical concepts that helped elevate jazz to a sophisticated art form.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Milt Hinton: The Ultimate Timekeeper Bassist Milt Hinton, known as the "Judge," was considered to be the ultimate timekeeper. With his buoyant tempos and fat, booming sound, Hinton provided the rhythmic foundation for many jazz greats. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:55:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96900242&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96900242&ft=1&f=10208861 Bassist Milt Hinton, known as the "Judge," was considered to be the ultimate timekeeper. With his buoyant tempos and fat, booming sound, Hinton provided the rhythmic foundation for many jazz greats.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Illinois Jacquet: King Of The Screeching Tenor Bandleader Illinois Jacquet was recognized as the king of the tenor saxophone. During his long career, Jacquet played with everyone from Basie to Lionel Hampton and gained notoriety for his wild, honking solo in "Flying Home," which heralded a new approach to playing known as the "Texas tenor style." Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96579674&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96579674&ft=1&f=10208861 Bandleader Illinois Jacquet was recognized as the king of the tenor saxophone. During his long career, Jacquet played with everyone from Basie to Lionel Hampton and gained notoriety for his wild, honking solo in "Flying Home," which heralded a new approach to playing known as the "Texas tenor style."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Jay 'Hootie' McShann: Kansas City Swingman "Hootie" to his friends, bluesman supreme Jay McShann served as the living legacy to Kansas City jazz. As bandleader, pianist, singer and composer, McShann was an unsung yet influential figure. During the '40s, his orchestra became an important launching pad for prominent soloists including Charlie Parker. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:18:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96214183&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96214183&ft=1&f=10208861 "Hootie" to his friends, bluesman supreme Jay McShann served as the living legacy to Kansas City jazz. As bandleader, pianist, singer and composer, McShann was an unsung yet influential figure. During the '40s, his orchestra became an important launching pad for prominent soloists including Charlie Parker.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Al Grey: The Last Big Time Plunger Trombonist Al Grey was highly regarded as "the last of the big time plungers" thanks to his skill at using a plumber's plunger to manipulate tones coming from the bell of his trombone. Grey rose to prominence as a soloist and gifted accompanist to singers, developing a unique style playing in the bands of Lionel Hampton and Count Basie. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:49:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95931539&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95931539&ft=1&f=10208861 Trombonist Al Grey was highly regarded as "the last of the big time plungers" thanks to his skill at using a plumber's plunger to manipulate tones coming from the bell of his trombone. Grey rose to prominence as a soloist and gifted accompanist to singers, developing a unique style playing in the bands of Lionel Hampton and Count Basie.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Anita O'Day: High Times And Hard Times Celebrated jazz singer Anita O'Day experienced both the "high times and hard times" — as her autobiography is so aptly titled. Despite drug addiction that interfered with her potential for super-stardom, she made a profound impact with her exceptional range, improvisation and skillful interpretion of lyrics. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:16:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95746374&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95746374&ft=1&f=10208861 Celebrated jazz singer Anita O'Day experienced both the "high times and hard times" — as her autobiography is so aptly titled. Despite drug addiction that interfered with her potential for super-stardom, she made a profound impact with her exceptional range, improvisation and skillful interpretion of lyrics.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Artie Shaw: The Reluctant Jazz Star Shaw was the temperamental leader of some of the hottest swing bands of his era. Though he had huge hits with <em>Begin the Beguine</em> and <em>Frenesi</em>, Shaw disdained the spotlight, and his bands never lasted long. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:04:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95550189&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95550189&ft=1&f=10208861 Shaw was the temperamental leader of some of the hottest swing bands of his era. Though he had huge hits with Begin the Beguine and Frenesi, Shaw disdained the spotlight, and his bands never lasted long.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Ellis Larkins: The Patient Pianist Larkins was a classically trained pianist and teacher, as well as the first black student at the Peabody Conservatory. But he's best remembered as an accompanist to Ella Fitzgerald. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:24:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95225850&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95225850&ft=1&f=10208861 Larkins was a classically trained pianist and teacher, as well as the first black student at the Peabody Conservatory. But he's best remembered as an accompanist to Ella Fitzgerald.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Doc Cheatham: Jazz History's Eyewitness Known for his articulation and clarity as both an ensemble player and an expressive soloist, trumpeter Doc Cheatham was comfortable playing big, brassy music. But his sound could also be soft and delicate. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:55:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94930764&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94930764&ft=1&f=10208861 Known for his articulation and clarity as both an ensemble player and an expressive soloist, trumpeter Doc Cheatham was comfortable playing big, brassy music. But his sound could also be soft and delicate.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Al Hibbler: Unchained Melodist A rich, supple baritone, Hibbler brought many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads to life during an eight-year stint with the orchestra. He went on to a long and successful solo career, becoming the country's first prominent blind performer. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94687296&ft=1&f=10208861 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94687296&ft=1&f=10208861 A rich, supple baritone, Hibbler brought many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads to life during an eight-year stint with the orchestra. He went on to a long and successful solo career, becoming the country's first prominent blind performer.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>