Jazz Man's Journey: A Biography of Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr. (HC) (1999)

Jazz Man's Journey chronicles the life and career of, Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr., one of New Orleans' most vivacious and talented jazz musicians. From his childhood in a rural section of New Orleans, to solo appearances with the New Orleans/Louisiana Philharmonic, as well as appearances at Carnegie Recital Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, and Harvard University, this unprecedented biography accurately portrays Marsalis not only as a pianist and a Columbia recording artist, but also as a successful teacher, composer, lecturer, father, and human being. By conducting interviews with Marsalis and his family, as well as with some of his friends and professional acquaintances, D. Antoinette Handy provides comprehensive background on Marsalis, as well as a revealing personal narrative. Complete with discography, dozens of photos from Marsalis's private collection, and a list of Marsalis "profundities," this book is an important addition to jazz studies, and an enjoyable read for jazz scholars and more casual fans alike.