Read the miraculous life story of Art Blakey, rising from appalling poverty to international fame. He would always say that he pursued a career in jazz as an act of survival.

Leslie Gourse chronicles Blakey's colourful life and career, from his hardscrabble childhood in Pittsburgh to his final years as an international jazz icon.Although Blakey's influence as a drummer and bandleader was enormous, his greatest contribution may have been as a mentor to younger musicians such as Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Jackie McLean and Wynton Marsalis.

210 pages.