NPR's 'Jazz Profiles' archive
Listen Doc Cheatham: Jazz History's Eyewitness
September 23, 2008 – Trumpeter Doc Cheatham was known for his articulation and clarity as an ensemble player and soloist.
Listen Al Hibbler: Unchained Melodist
September 17, 2008 – The rich, supple baritone was the vocalist on many of Duke Ellington's most popular ballads.
Listen Stanley Turrentine: Saxophone 'Sugar Man'
September 10, 2008 – The tenor saxophonist brought his big, warm sound to all manner of groove-heavy jazz and R&B.
Listen Jimmy Smith: Organ Grinder Swing
September 3, 2008 – He helped bring the Hammond B-3 organ from novelty status to the forefront of the jazz community.
Listen The Village Vanguard: A Hallowed Basement
August 27, 2008 – The small triangular room, known for its acoustics, has staged scores of essential jazz recordings.
Listen Nat Adderley: Brotherly Swing
August 20, 2008 – The trumpeter spent many years writing, managing and playing for his brother's celebrated band.
Listen Betty Carter: Fiercely Individual
August 14, 2008 – The intense vocalist blazed her own trail in the jazz industry, powered by her passionate singing.
Listen Norman Granz: Jazz Genius Behind The Scenes
August 6, 2008 – He never played a note. But he set up many of the 20th century's landmark jazz concerts and records.
Listen Jackie McLean: 'Jackie's Bag'
July 30, 2008 – A veteran of bebop, the fiery alto saxophonist continually developed his modernist style.
Listen Harry 'Sweets' Edison: Simplicity In Swing
July 23, 2008 – The inimitable trumpeter, an alum of the early Basie band, cultivated an spare yet bluesy approach.
Listen Tommy Flanagan: Poet Of Piano
July 16, 2008 – The pianist helped create some of jazz's canonic albums before launching his own career as a leader.
Listen Melba Liston: Bones Of An Arranger
July 9, 2008 – She was a gifted trombonist, a crack arranger, and, against the odds, a woman in jazz.
Listen Jimmy Witherspoon: Shouting the Blues
July 2, 2008 – With a full, powerful baritone delivery, "Spoon" brought a strong dose of blues singing to jazz.
Listen John Coltrane: Saxophone Icon, Pt. 2
June 25, 2008 – The saxophonist's restless 1960s exploration made a jazz virtuoso into an American music pioneer.
Listen John Coltrane: Saxophone Icon, Pt. 1
June 18, 2008 – By the late 1950s, the tenor saxophonist's rapid stylistic growth had already produced masterpieces.
