Myself When I Am Real summary

Early Life and Influences

In Myself When I Am Real, Gene Santoro delves into the life of Charles Mingus, a jazz musician known for his innovative compositions and fiery personality. The book begins with Mingus's early life, growing up in Los Angeles in the 1920s and 30s. His childhood was marked by poverty, racial discrimination, and a tumultuous relationship with his emotionally unstable mother. These early experiences would shape his music and personality profoundly.

Mingus was drawn to jazz from a young age, initially as a fan and later as a musician. He was inspired by the work of Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, and others, and began teaching himself to play the double bass. By his late teens, Mingus was performing in local clubs and making a name for himself as a talented and passionate musician.

Rise to Prominence

In the 1940s, Mingus moved to New York City, where he quickly became a part of the burgeoning jazz scene. He played with some of the era's most influential musicians, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. Mingus was known for his virtuosic bass playing and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz composition, incorporating elements of blues, gospel, and classical music into his work.

Despite his musical success, Mingus's personal life was marked by turmoil. He struggled with his temper, often clashing with bandmates and club owners. He also faced racial discrimination, both within the music industry and in society at large. These experiences fueled his activism and his belief in the power of music to effect social change.

Artistic Vision and Legacy

In the 1950s and 60s, Mingus reached the peak of his creative powers, producing a series of groundbreaking albums that showcased his unique blend of musical styles and his fiercely individualistic approach. His compositions were marked by their emotional intensity and technical complexity, earning him a reputation as one of jazz's most innovative and uncompromising artists.

Throughout Myself When I Am Real, Santoro emphasizes the deeply personal nature of Mingus's music, arguing that his work was a direct expression of his inner life and his struggles with love, rage, and spirituality. Mingus himself saw his music as a form of self-portraiture, a way to reveal his true self to the world.

Final Years and Reflections

The book concludes with Mingus's later years, which were marked by declining health and financial struggles. Despite these challenges, he continued to compose and perform, remaining fiercely dedicated to his artistic vision until the end. Mingus passed away in 1979, leaving behind a vast body of work and a lasting impact on the world of jazz.

In the end, Myself When I Am Real presents Mingus as a complex and contradictory figure: a musical genius and a deeply flawed human being. Santoro's biography offers a rich and nuanced portrait of an artist who, in his own words, was always striving to be 'real' - in his life, his music, and his art.