A renowned jazz pianist, composer, and critic who wrote for top publications and collaborated with legendary musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz scene.
Leonard Feather was a British-born jazz pianist, composer, and producer, but it's his remarkable work as a music journalist and writer that catapulted him to fame. For decades, he was the most widely read and influential writer on jazz, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
Born on September 13, 1914, in London, England, Feather grew up in an upper-middle-class Jewish family. Without formal training, he learned to play the piano and clarinet, and by his late teens, he was already writing about jazz and film. His first visit to the United States at the age of twenty-one marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with the country and its music.
Feather's career was a rich tapestry of music, writing, and broadcasting. He co-edited Metronome magazine and served as the chief jazz critic for the Los Angeles Times until his passing in 1994. In the UK, he made significant contributions to jazz broadcasting, creating programs like "Evergreens of Jazz" and "Leonard Feather's Swing Time" that showcased the best of jazz to British audiences.
Feather's compositions have been widely recorded by jazz legends like Dinah Washington, Louis Jordan, and B.B. King. His most famous song, "How Blue Can You Get," cowritten with his wife Jane, has become a blues standard. His work as a composer and collaborator not only reflected his own musical talent but also helped shape the jazz landscape.
Leonard Feather's writing and broadcasting not only introduced jazz to a wider audience but also helped shape the genre's narrative. His work continues to inspire new generations of jazz enthusiasts, musicians, and writers. As a testament to his enduring legacy, Feather's writing remains an essential part of jazz history, providing a unique window into the world of jazz during its golden age.
With a life dedicated to jazz, Leonard Feather's impact on the genre is immeasurable. His writing, compositions, and broadcasting continue to inspire and educate, cementing his place as one of the most important figures in jazz history.
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