by Billy Hart
First published 2025
Billy Hart has spent over fifty years as the rhythmic foundation for jazz giants from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner to Wes Montgomery. This NEA Jazz Master now tells his story with the help of pianist and critic Ethan Iverson, his bandmate of two decades. Hart opens up about his early years in Washington D.C.'s vibrant postwar jazz scene, his legendary sessions with the biggest names in jazz, and his development as both bandleader and educator. The memoir explores Hart's thoughts on race, rhythm, and mentorship while diving deep into technical discussions of swing and what Hart calls "the D.C. beat." Readers get rare access to the mind of a drummer who witnessed jazz's major transformations during the 1960s and 1970s. The book includes tributes from fellow drummers, discographical highlights, and details about Hart's signature drum setup. Musicians and jazz fans will discover insights into the craft and life of a master who connects jazz history to its contemporary evolution.
Genres: biography, african-american, memoir, music, jazz, american-history
Vibes: educational, inspiring, intimate, reflective, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, master-apprentice, witnessed-history
Setting: Washington D.C.
Period: 1960s, 1970s, postwar
218 pages · Paperback · Cymbal Press