Leonard Feather: The Dean of Jazz Criticism and Composition
Leonard Geoffrey Feather was a towering figure in the world of jazz, serving as a bridge between the music's creative execution and its intellectual documentation. A British-born pianist, composer, and producer, Feather is most remembered as one of the most influential jazz journalists and historians of the 20th century. His career spanned decades and continents, shaping how the public perceived and understood the evolution of jazz.
Key Facts
- Born: September 13, 1914, in London, England.
- Died: September 22, 1994, in Encino, California.
- Primary Roles: Journalist, composer, producer, and pianist.
- Major Works: Author of The Encyclopedia of Jazz and co-writer of the hit "How Blue Can You Get?".
- Key Contributions: Organized the first jazz concerts at Carnegie Hall and the original Metropolitan Opera House.
- Education Honor: Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music in 1984.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born into an upper middle-class Jewish family in London, Leonard Feather developed a passion for music early on. He taught himself to play the piano and clarinet without formal training. By his late teens, he had already begun writing about film and jazz, demonstrating an early aptitude for criticism.
At age 21, Feather traveled to the United States. After gaining experience as a record producer in both the UK and the US, he settled in New York City in 1939. He remained there until 1960, when he relocated to Los Angeles. Throughout his career, he held prestigious editorial positions, including co-editor of Metronome magazine and chief jazz critic for the Los Angeles Times.
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Pioneering Jazz Broadcasting
Feather played a vital role in bringing jazz to the airwaves in Britain. In 1936, he devised three "Evergreens of Jazz" programs featuring George Scott-Wood and His Six Swingers. In January 1937, he launched Leonard Feather's Swing Time on the National Service, a title likely inspired by a 1936 RKO musical film.
His influence extended to print media as well, where he wrote the "Tempo di Jazz" column for the Radio Times during the mid-1930s. Later in his career, he hosted radio shows such as Jazz Club in the early 1950s and Platterbrains from 1953 to 1958.
Composition and Musical Legacy
While widely known for his writing, Feather was a talented composer. His works were recorded by some of the most legendary voices in the genre. Dinah Washington recorded his "Evil Gal Blues" and "Blowtop Blues," and he co-wrote the successful track "How Blue Can You Get?" with his wife, Jane Feather—a song later recorded by blues icons B.B. King and Louis Jordan.
Additionally, Feather wrote the lyrics for Benny Golson's "Whisper Not," which was featured on Ella Fitzgerald's 1966 Verve release. His discography is extensive, ranging from his own recordings like Swingin' Swedes (1951) to collaborations with Langston Hughes on Weary Blues (1959).
The Influence of a Jazz Historian
Feather's most enduring legacy is his work as a historian and critic. He was often regarded as the most widely read writer on jazz, reaching audiences not only through books but also through the liner notes he wrote for hundreds of albums. He was known for his ability to promote artists he recorded, sometimes blending the roles of producer and impartial critic.
His bibliographic contributions provided a foundation for jazz study. His 1955 The Encyclopedia of Jazz, featuring a foreword by Duke Ellington, became a seminal reference work. His archives are now preserved as part of the International Jazz Collections at the University of Idaho Library.
| Category | Key Contributions / Works |
|---|---|
| Literature | The Encyclopedia of Jazz, From Satchmo to Miles, The Jazz Years |
| Composition | "How Blue Can You Get?", "Evil Gal Blues", lyrics for "Whisper Not" |
| Broadcasting | Swing Time, Jazz Club, Platterbrains |
| Events | First Carnegie Hall jazz concerts, Metropolitan Opera House jazz concerts |
| Journalism | Metronome magazine, Los Angeles Times, Radio Times |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Leonard Feather's most famous written work?
His most significant written contribution was The Encyclopedia of Jazz, first published in 1955 with a foreword by Duke Ellington.
Which famous musicians recorded Leonard Feather's compositions?
His works were recorded by legendary artists including B.B. King, Louis Jordan, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Did Leonard Feather have any formal musical training?
No, Leonard Feather learned to play the piano and clarinet without formal training.
What role did he play in jazz concerts?
Feather was instrumental in elevating the venue of jazz, organizing the first jazz concerts at Carnegie Hall and the only two jazz concerts held at the original Metropolitan Opera House.
Where are Leonard Feather's archives located?
His archives are housed within the International Jazz Collections at the University of Idaho Library.