Arthur Blakey
Art Blakey was one of the most important drummers in jazz history and the leader of The Jazz Messengers, a band that served as a training ground for generations of jazz musicians. His powerful, polyrhythmic drumming style defined the hard bop sound. Over four decades, countless future stars passed through his band, including Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and Wynton Marsalis.
“Jazz is known all over the world as an American musical art form and that's it. No America, no jazz.”
— Art Blakey
“Music washes away the dust of everyday life.”
— Art Blakey
“Jazz is the big brother of revolution. Revolution follows it around.”
— Art Blakey
“If we don't support the young musicians, there will be no future for jazz.”
— Art Blakey
“No one can hear their own faults. That's why you need someone else to listen.”
— Art Blakey
“The drums are the heartbeat of the music. Without the heartbeat, there is no life.”
— Art Blakey
“I'm gonna be up on the bandstand until I fall off. That's where I live.”
— Art Blakey
“Music is supposed to wash away the dust of everyday life.”
— Art Blakey
“You can't separate jazz from life. It IS life.”
— Art Blakey
“The Jazz Messengers is a university for young musicians.”
— Art Blakey
Moanin'
1958
A Night at Birdland
1954
Free for All
1964
The Big Beat
1960
Mosaic
1961