Remembering Dan Morgenstern
A Jazz Advocate Like No Other
On September 7, 2024, the jazz world lost one of its greatest advocates and historians, NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern.
Dan was a towering figure in jazz journalism, a master storyteller, and a walking encyclopedia of jazz history.
Dan Morgenstern didn’t just write about jazz—he lived it, with a passion and knowledge that set him apart. He was, quite simply, the gold standard.
A Life Lived in Jazz
Morgenstern’s connection to jazz began early, arriving in New York City in 1947 as a 17-year-old eager to immerse himself in the music. Too young to enter clubs, he stood outside to hear Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie through the doors. Over the decades, he befriended and chronicled countless legends, from Miles Davis to Louis Armstrong, capturing their lives and music in vivid, unforgettable detail.
Dan’s knack for storytelling brought the history of jazz to life, showing us the humanity behind the music and the personalities that shaped it.
The Gold Standard of Jazz Journalism
As the editor of DownBeat from 1964 to 1973, Morgenstern redefined what jazz journalism could be. He reviewed 148 albums during his tenure, blending sharp analysis with heartfelt appreciation. His guidance shaped the careers of writers like Michael Cuscuna, who credited Dan’s edits as a transformative learning experience.
Dan didn’t just review music—he explained it. His liner notes and essays taught readers how to hear the nuances of a bridge, a vamp, or an improvised solo. He celebrated spontaneity, brilliance, and even the occasional mistake, offering insights that only someone with his depth of knowledge could provide.
The Dan Morgenstern Collection
In recent years, I’ve worked to document Dan’s incredible legacy through the Dan Morgenstern Collection, a comprehensive repository of his work. This project includes his DownBeat reviews, Grammy-winning essays, and contributions to jazz documentaries like Ken Burns’ Jazz and It Must Schwing: The Blue Note Story.
Dan himself was astonished by the breadth of the collection. “This is truly amazing! I had no inkling of this and after catching my breath am of course delighted and flattered. Amazed at what you’ve uncovered” he wrote to me in 2019. “What you’ve gathered is astonishing.”
It’s a testament to the enduring impact of his life’s work.
In a moment of realization during one of our many rich conversations, Dan and I discovered an incredible bond that stretched back 45 years: he was on the NEA panel that awarded me my very first NEA Jazz Composition Grant in 1979.
That grant not only validated my work but also opened doors that would shape my future as a composer and performer.
Final Note
Dan Morgenstern was more than a jazz historian—he was jazz’s greatest advocate. His life reminds us of the power of storytelling to preserve and honor our shared musical heritage. Thank you, Dan, for everything.
By Hank Hehmsoth, Jazz Journalist and Historian
(JJA Jazz Journalists Association)
In 2019, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, I had the honor of writing a retrospective for the JJA Jazz Journalists Association, reflecting on Dan’s unparalleled contributions to jazz as a writer, editor, and champion of the music.
Today, I share this tribute to commemorate his extraordinary legacy and to celebrate the man who inspired generations of musicians, writers, and fans.
His stories are the stuff of legend:
Chatting with Armstrong over plum brandy into the wee hours.
Watching Dizzy’s big band light up the Apollo with Chano Pozo.
Witnessing the high-speed antics of Baroness Nica and Miles Davis drag-racing through Manhattan.
A Legacy of Recognition
Morgenstern’s work earned him eight Grammy Awards for liner notes, beginning with his essay for Art Tatum’s God Is in the House. His notes elevated recordings into immersive experiences, combining historical precision with personal recollections. Whether celebrating Louis Armstrong’s formative years or introducing new talents like Weather Report, Dan’s writing always reflected his boundless love for the music.
A Personal Reflection
As a jazz historian and writer, I have always admired Dan Morgenstern’s ability to translate the soul of jazz into words. His work inspired my own path, and his mentorship continues to guide me.
Dan’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in the music, the stories, and the generations he inspired. As we remember him, let us celebrate his profound contributions and the joy he brought to so many lives.
