Really the Blues

More about the book

Mezz Mezzrow's memoir captures his extraordinary journey from a Chicago youth in reform school to a life steeped in music and crime. His experiences span vibrant cities like New Orleans and New York, where he navigated brothels, bootlegging, and drug dealing while collaborating with jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller. Co-written with novelist Bernard Wolfe, the narrative explores themes of racial boundaries and individualism, portraying a man striving for connection in a world driven by profit.