This thread has truly humbled me. I began listening to ”hardcore” jazz in 1964. I remember making a commitment to myself to listen to it long enough to come to like it, and gain an appreciation for the artistry and delivery of some of the masters of that genre. I failed.
While I recognize and remember some of these “classics”, and the legends that produced them, some of them I’ve never heard of. KBCA 105.1 FM (now KKJZ) was the jazz station in LA where I began my trek through the mysterious world of jazz. I had listened to nothing but top 40 stations to that point. I remember some the “doo-wop” groups and some of their songs as far back as 1954.
For me, it was like learning to like beer. Nobody likes their first few beers. Anyone that says they did is lying. It is an acquired taste. But I stuck with it. After listening to some of these artists and songs I never heard of, I’m now wondering where here is?