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American Music Is Nat Hentoff: A Legacy of Jazz, Criticism, and Social Activism

Stephen Foster

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American Music Is

by Nat Hentoff

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Nat Hentoff was a jazz critic, social activist, and author whose work had a profound impact on American music and culture. He was born in Boston in 1925 and began writing about jazz in the early 1950s. His writing was known for its intelligence, wit, and passion, and he quickly became one of the most respected jazz critics in the world.

Hentoff was also a tireless advocate for social justice. He was an early supporter of the civil rights movement and wrote extensively about the Vietnam War, nuclear disarmament, and other important issues. His work helped to raise awareness of these issues and inspired others to take action.

In addition to his writing, Hentoff was also a producer and record executive. He produced several classic jazz albums, including John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" and Thelonious Monk's "Brilliant Corners." He also founded the record label Candid Records, which released some of the most important jazz recordings of the 1950s and 1960s.

Hentoff died in 2017 at the age of 91. He left behind a legacy of jazz criticism, social activism, and writing that continues to inspire and inform today.

Nat Hentoff's Jazz Criticism

Nat Hentoff's jazz criticism was known for its intelligence, wit, and passion. He was a master of the written word, and his reviews were often as insightful as they were entertaining. He was also a fearless critic, and he was not afraid to speak his mind, even when it was unpopular.

Hentoff's criticism was not limited to jazz. He also wrote about popular music, classical music, and other forms of music. However, it was his jazz criticism that made him famous. He was a passionate advocate for jazz, and he believed that it was one of the most important art forms of the 20th century.

Hentoff's jazz criticism was not always positive. He was often critical of musicians who he felt were not living up to their potential. However, he was also quick to praise musicians who he felt were making great music. He was a true champion of jazz, and he wanted to see it thrive.

Nat Hentoff's Social Activism

Nat Hentoff was a tireless advocate for social justice. He was an early supporter of the civil rights movement, and he wrote extensively about the Vietnam War, nuclear disarmament, and other important issues. His work helped to raise awareness of these issues and inspired others to take action.

Hentoff's social activism was not limited to writing. He was also an active participant in the civil rights movement. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr., and he helped to organize voter registration drives in the South. He was also a member of the Committee for Nuclear Disarmament, and he spoke out against the Vietnam War.

Hentoff's social activism was motivated by his belief in the power of music. He believed that music could change the world, and he used his writing to inspire others to use their voices for justice.

Nat Hentoff's Writing

Nat Hentoff was a prolific writer. He wrote over 30 books, as well as hundreds of articles and reviews. His writing covered a wide range of topics, including jazz, social activism, and the arts. He was a master of the written word, and his work is still read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Hentoff's writing is characterized by its intelligence, wit, and passion. He was a gifted writer, and he had a unique ability to connect with his readers. He was also a fearless writer, and he was not afraid to speak his mind, even when it was unpopular.

Hentoff's writing has had a profound impact on American music and culture. He was a champion of jazz, and he helped to raise the profile of this important art form. He was also a tireless advocate for social justice, and his work helped to inspire others to take action.

Nat Hentoff was a giant of American music and culture. He was a brilliant jazz critic, a tireless social activist, and a gifted writer. His work had a profound impact on the world, and he will be remembered for generations to come.

American Music Is

by Nat Hentoff

4.1 out of 5