Life

Name one jazz master who died penniless and obscure. By virtue of the latter qualifier, this challenge is best fielded by jazz musicians and fans. Unfortunately, the list is a long one. The first musician who comes to my mind is the late Hank Mobley, whose greatness is belied by the lack of recognition he received during his lifetime. Nowadays, no self-respecting student of tenor would overlook Mobley's body of work. His relaxed mastery of the bebop language, his prolific composition, his recorded legacy as a leader and a sideman (including Soul Station, which is on many fans' "desert island" list), are collectively a hoard of wealth to jazz culture. Hank died penniless in 1986 at the age of 55.

Throughout history, jazz greats and lesser known working jazz musicians have struggled with a similar plight. Earning a living performing jazz music (which, although adored by many, has rarely seen commercial success) is incredibly difficult, perhaps impossible to all but a lucky few or those resourceful enough to cross over into more lucrative arts.

A resolution passed by Congress in 1987 declared jazz a national treasure. I've excerpted some key points below, but do read the full text, as it rather succint and eloquent in its entirety:Read more