Earl Bostic

Earl Bostic, one of the most accomplished alto saxophonists of his time, transformed the role of the instrument in American music. He was a pioneer of rhythm & blues and an early influence on rock 'n' roll, highlighting the saxophone's place at the center of popular music in the 1950s. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bostic began playing with territory bands at 18 and honed his craft at the side of jazz icons like Fate Marable and Lionel Hampton.

This first full-length biography explores Bostic's life and career, from the stories behind hits like "Flamingo" to his mentorship of John Coltrane. It explores how his genre-crossing style emerged and contextualizes his music within the social and political influences of post-war America. Containing new research, this work examines Bostic's music and reassesses the contributions he made during his career, which have often been overlooked, situating him as a pivotal figure in popular music.