1 / 7Sittin' In: Jazz Clubs of the 1940s and 1950s
Sittin' In: Jazz Clubs of the 1940s and 1950s is a photographic history of jazz venues and integrated nightlife during Jim Crow America. It combines more than 200 photographs and memorabilia with club stories, music history, and interviews with jazz figures and cultural commentators.
At a glance
- Features more than 200 color and black-and-white photographs and memorabilia related to jazz clubs of the 1940s and 1950s.
- Explores clubs across East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast cities, placing music and nightlife in the context of segregation and racial integration.
- Includes club anecdotes, accounts of musicians and live recordings, and interviews with Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, Robin Givhan, Jason Moran, and Dan Morgenstern.
Reference price: $45.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The combination of venue photography, patrons, and club ephemera offers a visual angle on jazz history beyond musician biographies.
- The regional scope connects club scenes in multiple US cities with changes in jazz and the era's social history.
- Interviews and first-hand anecdotes complement the historical and photographic material.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Harper |
|---|---|
| Publication date | November 17, 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 260 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0062914707 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0062914705 |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 1.25 x 8 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 2.31 pounds |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes a visual history with more than 200 photographs and memorabilia, but does not specify a photograph-by-photograph index or the exact balance of images and text. Consider whether that format suits your reading preferences.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Jazz fans interested in historic clubs, performers, and live music culture.
- Readers exploring the intersection of segregation, integration, and American nightlife.
- A coffee-table-style book buyer seeking jazz photography and club memorabilia.
Less suited to
- Readers primarily seeking a musician-focused biography, a technical guide to jazz, or a complete catalog of recordings.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
88% 88% - 4 stars
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Customer feedback describes the book as informative and well-documented, with positive remarks about its photography, coverage of jazz across America, and appeal as a coffee-table book for jazz enthusiasts. That reaction aligns with the listing's emphasis on club images and memorabilia, making it a likely fit for visual browsing as well as jazz-history reading. Aggregate ratings are strongly favorable overall, but they do not establish how every reader will value the book's balance of images and text.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the informative content and photography.
- Feedback appreciates its broad view of jazz across America.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Sittin' In cover?
The book focuses on jazz clubs in the 1940s and 1950s and discusses the era's music and social context.
What kind of material is included?
The listing describes more than 200 color and black-and-white photographs, club memorabilia, stories, anecdotes, and interviews.
Which regions are covered?
The stated focus includes East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast cities, including New York, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
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