05/25/2023
Congratulations to Jazz Journalist Icon & Jazzology Trivia Host Willard Jenkins Jr for winning the JJA Jazz Award for BOOK OF THE YEAR ABOUT JAZZ: History, Criticism & Culture with his most recent book AIN’T BUT A FEW OF US – Black Music Writers Tell Their Story. JJAJAZZAWARDS.ORG
"With the conductive virtuosity of Butch Morris, Jenkins . . . assembles an impressive paean to the Black writers who’ve dedicated their lives to capturing in language what jazz musicians conjure in a split second. With more than two dozen thoughtful profiles, this is a fascinating dive into the sociopolitical realities of being a Black writer—in this case, Black writers who love jazz and express that love in vivid prose. . . . A memorable love letter to Black art, Black joy, and the writers who have sought to tell it like it really is." — Kirkus Reviews
"To say that this book is an essential read is an understatement. It is essential not only to enjoy the eloquence and grace of the writing, the depth of knowledge, expertise and experience of these writers, but because things must change. Jazz needs more black voices. The world needs more black voices." — Fiona Ross, Kind of Jazz
"The spectrum of vibrant Black voices in Ain’t But a Few of Us is broad, relaying their experiences in the trenches of the jazz media field—from cub reporters to trailblazers.. . . . The book serves as a testament to the experiences of a rare few, proof-positive that Black writers and editors are not alone." — Ayana Contreras, Downbeat
