In case anyone does not know, historian/writer Dan Morgenstern passed away. To the end, his mind was clear and he continued to share his many memories of jazz musicians and the jazz life.
There have been many beautiful reminiscences from all sorts of people upon his passing. This column is not meant to be a deep dive into his life - this has been far better done elsewhere. It is an opportunity for me to share my experience of my interactions with the man.
He was one of the most generous people I’ve known, particularly if you had a serious interest in jazz, but he could converse about many things. I treasure his reminiscences of being with Alban Berg, one of the most important 20th century composers of concert music who has influenced hundreds of composers. I treasure his stories of growing up in Europe before WWII.
Dan came to this country via Denmark, although his background was German; he landed in Denmark to escape the Nazis. He was present at a concert of the first post-war American big band, led by Don Redman (interestingly, I was able to work with one of the trombonists in that band later at Five Towns College), and was a regular attendee at 52nd Street clubs once he got to New York. Musicians opened up to him easily, partly because he was European, so Coleman Hawkins, Hot Lips Page and many other stars of the era were personal friends. Of course one of his key friendships was with Louis Armstrong, and he was probably the last living link to “Pops” before his passing.
Sitting with him at any time was a history lesson. His enthusiasm was warming, and his stories about jazz artists of all types were wonderful; happily he was interviewed late in life by Michael Steinman, who posted some of the interviews on YouTube, so Dan will always be with us.
He was open to all kinds of music; certainly he had his favorites, but he was willing to listen to anything. Whether you wanted help with a grant, or were researching a book, his advice was always valuable, and he went over and beyond sharing his knowledge to help. Of course we will also always have his articles and liner notes, which are available via the internet and book publications.
He loved what I was writing and researching about American and European big bands, and was excited when I found something that I thought would interest him. His eyes would widen, drinking in some new fact that helped to clear up the mosaic that is jazz history. He knew so much and lived so much, it was like an award when you told him something that he hadn’t heard about before.
He lived to the age of 94. It was still not enough time. A piece of the history of world music is now lost; he will no longer be available to speak with and encourage. When someone so valuable leaves us, it is deeply upsetting. Of course all of us who knew him were blessed, and will never forget him.
This hurts deeply.
I knew of Dan Morgenstern but I didn't know much about him. I am very grateful to Jeff and everyone else who has written about Dan in recent days. I've learned a lot, and all of what I have learned is, quite obviously, important stuff about an important person in our jazz world.