Milt Hinton

About the Author

Milt Hinton, affectionately known as 'The Judge,' was a legendary jazz bassist whose career spanned over six decades, influencing generations of musicians with his impeccable timing, warm tone, and unparalleled versatility. Born in 1910 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Hinton honed his skills in Chicago before becoming a cornerstone of the New York jazz scene in the 1930s. He performed and recorded with icons like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman, earning a reputation as one of the most recorded bassists in history. Beyond the stage, Hinton was a passionate educator and photographer, capturing the essence of jazz life through his lens. His autobiography, 'Bass Lines,' offers intimate insights into his extraordinary journey, while his contributions to jazz literature include the evocative 'Dizzy Gillespie Story 1939-50,' a vivid chronicle of the trumpeter's early innovations. Hinton's legacy endures as a pillar of American music, celebrated for his humility, technical mastery, and enduring spirit until his passing in 2000.