Freedom, Rhythm & Sound Chapter Two: Revolutionary Jazz Cover Art Book

Freedom, Rhythm and Sound showcases the striking graphic works found on independently published jazz record covers from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, and beyond, created by radical jazz artists such as Sun Ra, John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, and others. This second volume serves as a new chapter, presenting hundreds of additional rare and beautiful designs that document the continued evolution of jazz as African American artists embarked on new paths toward enlightenment, many relocating to Europe at the end of the 1960s.

Often self-produced, the artwork from this era reflects the musicians’ radical politics, spiritual consciousness, and singular pursuit of both musical and personal freedom. Ranging from raw, DIY aesthetics to lyrical, poetic illustrations—sometimes depicting futuristic worlds or ancient landscapes—these covers are consistently bold and visually arresting, capturing the essence and spirit of the music itself.

The book also includes sections devoted to African American poets and writers, leaders of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and early musical pioneers including Yusef Lateef, Max Roach, and Art Blakey. Together, these figures helped shape the world of radical and spiritual jazz from the 1960s through its ongoing rebirth today.