One genre I want to explore further is the autobiography. In the past I had resisted reading them because I felt they were nothing more than ego-centric projects that were nothing more than self-promotion. As I have branched out, I realized this thought process was flawed. Being able to read how someone describes their own life and career provides valuable insight into one’s mind and personality since they are making specific choices about how they frame their story.
One of my favorite autobiographies is Miles Davis: The Autobiography. Miles Davis was one of the leading trumpeters and band leaders in American jazz music. His career spanned from the 1940s until his death in 1991 in which he constantly pushed the boundaries of what was musically possible. While musically creative, Davis’ personality was famously abrasive and confrontational; many musicians and others in his orbit found him insufferable and arrogant.
To Davis’ credit, he does not try to sanitize his personality for the book. Davis collaborated with journalist Quincy Troupe who captured the jazz trumpeter’s authentic voice. The result is the work feels like an informal interview or a casual conversation. Davis’ voice, which was frequently insensitive and littered with curses, is preserved as he reminisces about his life and career. He provides valuable insight on the American jazz scene and the personalities involved. Many of his views on race and gender are reprehensible by today’s standards, but it is important to understand the assumptions and attitudes of his time. While these rough edges give the account stylistic authenticity, it is not for the faint of heart.
While an engaging and fast read, it is still worth asking whether autobiographies are reliable sources. It is tempting to hang onto every anecdote, every observation as objective truth, but autobiographies are seldom written to present a factual account. They are written to show the subject in the best possible light, to promote a brand, and to make money. In Davis’ case, he wanted to make a case about where he stood among the jazz greats and popular music – he was never above self-promotion.
With that said, it does not mean autobiographies have little value and are all cynical endeavors. Readers will not be able to find the types of personal insights and recollections found in an autobiography anywhere else.
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