[Jazz] Mingus, Charles. (1922-1979)

"Diane" - Autograph Musical Quotation

AMQS in blue ink on a white card from of one of the most innovative of all jazz musicians who was a virtuoso bassist and composer and worked as a sideman with Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampoton and Red Norvo. He was also a passionate campaigner for civil rights.

Three measures from "Diane," which originally appeared on the 1959 album "Mingus Dynasty," and which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. A retitled version of "Alice in Wonderland," the song is a portrait of Diane Dorr-Dorynek. Mingus himself wrote that "it may be the prettiest thing I ever wrote - a girl trying to make it in this big rough world, like I am. I try to show her sadness (the alto part on top) but also her strength in her art and her conviction in what she believes in (the tenor on the bottom) even if there are harsh, unresolved parts of her life. She was a painter I knew. It was written for her because I loved her at one time." (Mingus, as quoted in "Myself When I am Real: The Life and Music of Charles Mingus" by Gene Santoro, p. 159)

Sold together with a recently printed 8 x 10 inch portrait photograph. Mingus is very seldom seen in musical quotations. (9339)

AMQS Jazz