"The piano ain't got no wrong notes!"
-- Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin KelleyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D.G. Kelley is a meticulously researched and engaging read that seeks to put the record straight without any chaser. Popular mythology about Monk tends to cast him as untrained, childlike and eccentric. Drawing upon a wealth of family documents, Kelley masterfully weaves a story that counters these myths and captures Monk's genius and his humanity with compassion and profound appreciation.
As an educator, I found myself drawn to the parts of the story that brought the people and local institutions that nourished Monk's musical creativity into vivid clarity. Very early on, Monk demonstrated a keen interest and talent in music, especially the piano. Growing up in Harlem during the early part of the twentieth century, his talents were nurtured thanks in part to his participation in an after school boys and girls club. At this youth center, Thelonious was able to begin his musical education and develop his piano playing. His mother, raising three children by herself, also provided a pivotal role in the young musician's life -- acquiring a piano at home and lessons to further hone his creativity. Later on, as an adult, his wife Nellie provided a solid foundation of love and support -- emotional, financial and business.
However, to highlight the people who nurtured Monk's musicality is not to detract in any way from his sheer genius. Kelley makes clear that for many years Monk did not receive the accolades he richly deserved. His style of playing discordant notes formed the basis of what would become BeBop, popularized by two other jazz greats -- Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. While their names are most often associated with the emergence of BeBop, Monk's compositional mastery was foundational to this new form of jazz.
While the book follows the twists and turns of the history of jazz, it is much more than your usual musical biography. Kelley's book stands as a tribute to Monk's humanity. Even as a budding jazz musician, he took an active role in caring for his children, while Nellie worked outside the home to provide financial support for the family. He pursued his profound sense of social justice by supporting civil rights organizations such as the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) among others. He courageously struggled with manic-depression, made even more acute due to alcohol and drug usage. Clearly, there was more to the man that his mind-blowing musical virtuosity.
Reading Kelley's book deepened my appreciation for Monk and his contributions to modern jazz, the Civil Rights movement and social justice, in general. Highly recommended for those interested in the history of jazz and the development of a true American original.
See comments by the author, Robin Kelley, on Thelonious Monk:
To see the original in action, check out this video clip of Monk performing one of his classics, Blue Monk:
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