Paris Blues

Paris Blues was written by Harold Flender and originally published in 1957.

The book tells the story of Eddie Cook, an African American jazz musician living and working in Paris in the 1950s. The author draws on the historical reality that throughout much of the 20th century, many African American artists, writers, and musicians emigrated to Paris, where they found the personal and creative freedom denied them back home.

In addition, jazz musicians discovered that their artistry was more highly valued and appreciated in Europe than in the United States. Miles Davis said that his time living and working in Paris was life-altering. ＂It changed the way I looked at things forever. Paris was where I noticed that not all white people were prejudiced.＂

Paris Blues recreates this vibrant world of smoky clubs, outdoor cafes, and a creative community where the ＂mixing＂ of everyone is the norm. Saxophonist Eddie falls for an African American school teacher, Connie, who is touring Europe with a group of educators. Eddie is torn between going back to the racist United States with Connie or forgoing their love and staying in Paris where he feels respected as a man and musician.

Paris, hot jazz, and a small combination is muffled by the larger issue of racial bitterness, particularly in the case of Eddie Cook, Negro sax player who has found the color line subdued by his years of chosen expatriation. Eddie begins to question his life, himself, and his aggressive anti-Americanism when he meets Connie, a schoolteacher, on a ten weeks tour.