Jazz Music: Top 10 Books

Discover the Best Books on Jazz Music

Jazz music is a vibrant, dynamic genre that has profoundly influenced the musical landscape. From its roots in African American communities to its worldwide acclaim, jazz has evolved through various styles and eras. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, understanding jazz’s history, key figures, and musical theory can deepen appreciation and knowledge. Here, we rank the top 10 books on jazz music that every fan should read.

By Michael Jenkins

SaleBestseller No. 1

Welcome to Jazz: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In”

• Hardcover Book
• Sloan, Carolyn (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 32 Pages – 10/15/2019 (Publication Date) – Workman Kids (Publisher)

$15.49

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SaleBestseller No. 2

3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool

• Kaplan, James (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 496 Pages – 03/04/2025 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)

$18.20

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SaleBestseller No. 3

Jazz: A History of America’s Music

• Hardcover Book
• Ward, Geoffrey C. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 512 Pages – 11/07/2000 (Publication Date) – Knopf (Publisher)

$42.46

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SaleBestseller No. 4

First 50 Jazz Standards You Should Play on Piano – Easy Piano Songbook for Beginners and Intermediate Players | Jazz Sheet Music for Piano with Lyrics | Hal Leonard Softcover Music Book

• Easy Piano
• Pages: 162
• Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
• Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation (Author)
• English (Publication Language)

$18.47

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SaleBestseller No. 5

DownBeat – The Great Jazz Interviews: A 75th Anniversary Anthology – Jazz Book with Interviews, Insights, and Photographs

• 340 Pages
• A 75th Anniversary Anthology
• Softcover
• Editor: Frank Alkyer
• various (Author)

$30.00

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SaleBestseller No. 6

The Real Book: Sixth Edition

• Includes 400 songs –
• All Blues
• Au Privave
• Autumn Leaves
• Black Orpheus

$40.88

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SaleBestseller No. 7

101 Jazz Songs Alto Sax

• Alto Sax
• Pages: 106
• Instrumentation: Alto Sax
• Voicing: ALTO SAX
• Hal Leonard Corp. (Author)

$15.84

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SaleBestseller No. 8

The Jazz Theory Book

• Hardcover Book
• Levine, Mark (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 522 Pages – 06/01/2005 (Publication Date) – Sher Music (Publisher)

$46.12

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SaleBestseller No. 9

The Jazz Piano Book

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Levine, Mark (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 306 Pages – 04/26/1989 (Publication Date) – Sher Music Co. (Publisher)

$37.10

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SaleBestseller No. 10

Late Night Jazz – Jazz Piano Solos Volume 27 | 24 Smooth and Sophisticated Jazz Classics for Solo Piano | Includes Autumn Leaves, Smoke Gets in Your … Street and More (Jazz Piano Solos, 27)

• Piano Solo
• Pages: 98
• Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
• English (Publication Language)
• 96 Pages – 05/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Hal Leonard (Publisher)

$14.10

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Embrace the world of jazz music with these insightful and engaging reads. Each book offers a unique perspective on the genre, from its historical roots to its influential figures. Dive into the melodies, rhythms, and stories that have shaped jazz into the rich, diverse art form it is today.

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Meta Description: Discover the top 10 jazz music books that every jazz enthusiast should read. From biographies to music theory, these books provide a comprehensive understanding of jazz’s rich history and influential figures. Perfect for beginners and aficionados alike.

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