In the 1950s, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers introduced hard bop - a blend of bebop, blues, gospel and Latin music that has defined the jazz mainstream ever since. 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. Leslie Gourse chronicles Blakey's colourful life and career, from his hardscrabble childhood in Pittsburgh to his final years as an international jazz icon.

CONTENTS: Words of Wisdom, Mantras and Maxims; Chronology; Rolling with the Punches; Maturing as a Drummer; The Jazz Messengers; Expanding Horizons; New Messengers; Struggling In the Sixties; Turns In the Road; The Last Great Jazz Messengers; Life In the 1980s; Last True Tales; Discographical Note

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