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Remembering Jazz Critic Leonard Feather

Feather, one of the world's most prominent jazz critics died of pneumonia, yesterday at the age of 80. He grew up in England and moved to America in 1940. His most important writing was his encylopedia of jazz, an essential reference work of musician bios. Feather spent his final months editing a new edition, which is scheduled for publication next year. Feather also produced about 200 recording sessions, composed for many of the musicians he worked with, and even played piano on some of their sessions. Throughout his career, he campaigned on behalf of women in jazz, and worked for racial equality in field. We remember him with this 1987 interview.

16:21

Other segments from the episode on September 23, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 23, 1994: Interview with Barbara Lea and Tony Tamburello; Obituary for Leonard Feather; Review of the film "The New Age."

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