The author, born in Toronto in 1941, is a retired entertainment agency president who hosted the radio show Some Experiences In Jazz for 27 years, interviewing over 700 jazz figures such as Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck, Count Basie, Stan Getz, Peter Appleyard, and Moe Koffman. His memoir details a life steeped in music, featuring interactions with jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson, along with experiences with icons like Sinatra, The Beatles, and Elvis Presley. With more than 700 interviews, Fogle provides personal insights into the music industry.

I found this book enjoyable, likely because my musical memories align closely with Mr. Fogle’s, given our similar ages. However, younger readers who appreciate a broader musical spectrum beyond hip-hop and rap may also find much to admire in Fogle’s narrative.

Fogle’s work is structured more like a collection of vignettes, each spanning two to three pages and standing alone, allowing readers to start at any point, whether page 330 (Buddy Rich), page 38 (Erroll Garner), or page 108 (Stan Kenton). The contents list extends to eight pages, covering around 363 individuals.

It’s worth noting that if Fogle had chosen to start each vignette at the top of the page instead of halfway down, the book would have felt more compact. Nevertheless, I found it less intimidating to read than I initially expected.

While I didn’t discover anything new about well-known figures like Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, or Mel Tormé, I did encounter many unfamiliar names, including several Canadian performers, all of whom were engaging to read about. Regardless of your age, you’ll find something stimulating or intriguing within these pages. If you’re under 60, you’ll gain valuable insights into a musical landscape that feels as distant as Atlantis.

Robert Fogle: My 8 Decade Musical Journey. Independently published 20 January 2025; pb; 592 pages. ISBN 979-8307274767