The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America

Acclaimed author and journalist Larry Tye presents a fascinating look at the legendary musicians who wrote the soundtrack for America’s civil rights revolution. This sweeping portrait tells the story of three giants of jazz, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie, who were born within a few years of one another and rose to become the most acclaimed entertainers of their era, transforming not just American music but America itself.

The Jazzmen has been praised by Publishers Weekly as “a mesmerizing group portrait,” while the Wall Street Journal notes, “Mr. Tye has an easy way of telling a story, a knack for characterization and a pacing that feels right.”

Larry Tye is a New York Times bestselling author and former award-winning reporter for The Boston Globe. His books include Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend, Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon, and Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero. He also directs the Harvard University-based Health Coverage Fellowship, which has trained more than 300 journalists worldwide on issues ranging from mental health to pandemics.

Following this lecture, audiences are also invited to a separate concert: Paul Gavin & Mosaic: The Music of Blakey, Ellington & Armstrong in the Crowninshield, an exciting performance bringing these jazz legends’ music to life.

Please note this is a separate ticketed event as a part of the All That Jazz Series.

Sponsorships and Sponsor Tickets on Sale Now!

Ticket Sales for the General Public Begin September 1, 2026.

Become a Sponsor

Ticket Pricing

Sponsorship

Early-access tickets for sponsors available now!

Become a Sponsor

Premium

$85 ticket per lecture—Available Sep. 1!

General Admission

$50 ticket per lecture—Available Sep. 1!

Lectures Generously Sponsored By: