 |
Michael CuscunaAmerican jazz music producer and writer
Date of Birth: 20.09.1948
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Michael Cuscuna: A Jazz Legacy
- Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Career in Radio and Record Production
- Blue Note Records and Mosaic Records
- Awards and Recognition
- Legacy
Michael Cuscuna: A Jazz Legacy
Michael Cuscuna was an American jazz music producer and writer who left an enduring impact on the world of jazz.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born and raised in the United States, Cuscuna initially pursued music through performance, playing drums, saxophone, and flute. However, he soon shifted his focus to the business side of the industry.
Career in Radio and Record Production
Cuscuna held several prominent radio positions, including at WXPN and WMMR. He also worked at ESP-Disk in the late 1960s and wrote for Jazz & Pop and DownBeat magazines. In the 1970s, he became a producer at Atlantic Records, collaborating with artists such as Dave Brubeck and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. He also produced albums for Bonnie Raitt and Chris Smither.
Blue Note Records and Mosaic Records
Cuscuna's significant contributions came with his involvement in Blue Note Records. From 1975 to 1981, he meticulously searched for previously unreleased recordings from the label's archives. In 1983, he co-founded Mosaic Records with Charlie Lourie, specializing in mail-order box-set reissues of jazz classics. Mosaic Records continued to thrive into the 2010s, showcasing iconic artists like Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Nat King Cole, as well as lesser-known talents like Tina Brooks and Ike Quebec.
Awards and Recognition
Cuscuna's dedication to preserving and promoting jazz earned him three Grammy Awards for Best Historical Album (for archival and sound restoration) and Best Album Notes.
Legacy
Beyond his production work, Cuscuna was also a consultant and reissue director for Blue Note Records. He passed away in 2024, leaving behind a vast legacy of critically acclaimed jazz reissues and a profound impact on the appreciation and preservation of the genre.
