Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
A reporter who interviewed Louis Armstrong in 1957, when the trumpeter famously criticized President Dwight Eisenhower over civil rights issues, will be on hand at a New York library next week to discuss the historic moment.
Larry Lubenow, who was writing for the Associated Press at the time, is speaking publicly for the first time about the interview, which he says was even more charged than his article showed. In the story, Armstrong called the president “two-faced” because of his civil rights policies, especially in connection with the infamous Little Rock Nine crisis. He also revealed that he was canceling his state-sponsored Russian tour to protest.
Vanity Fair editor David Margolick will interview Lubenow at the Langston Hughes Community Library in Queens on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The event is free, and it is being sponsored by the Louis Armstrong House Museum, also in Queens.
For more information, see satchmo.net.
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
Jul 17, 2025 11:35 AM
The DownBeat Critics Poll provides a wonderful snapshot of the jazz scene today, with much to explore and many great…
