After years of work, David Sutter’s book on Creed Taylor is available for pre-order. It is an authorized biography that Creed gave David the mission to write but sadly didn’t get to see finalized. I was fortunate to see a draft copy but have not seen a galley print or final copy with pictures etc.
Described in the publisher’s release as:
Written with the full cooperation of Taylor’s estate, and based on years of interviews, this first biography of the man illuminates an era of dramatic change within jazz music. From Taylor’s childhood in Appalachia to his decades-long career at some of the genre’s most important labels, David Sutter’s painstakingly researched book tells the full story of a man who did as much as anyone to broaden the audience for jazz.
Published: Backbeat; Publication date: October 29, 2026; 304 pages; ISBN-13:979-8765188798
David Sutter has worked in publishing since 1980, and has contributed in various capacities to academic journals, popular magazines, newspapers, promotional materials, websites, textbooks, and trade books. In 2014, he became the copy chief at Inc., the New York–based business magazine that focuses on entrepreneurs and independent, U.S.-based companies. From 2017 until Creed Taylor’s death in 2022, he worked with Taylor to prepare what was originally conceived as a co-written autobiography.
The book is scheduled for release in many countries; advance copies can already be ordered in the UK, Canada, Australia, and of course here in the USA.
USA pre-orders can be made through all the usual online stores — Creed would have preferred, I’m sure, if you would buy through a small indie bookseller.
As I understand it, the book will be in hardback initially, with eBook (EPUB, MOBI) and PDF versions shortly after publication. An audiobook is also in the works, rumored to be some 13 hours long!
If you’d like to find a copy to pre-order, try this link (as always this is not an affiliate link and I am not otherwise rewarded if you buy a copy.)
UPDATES: April 23, 2026 8:20 – added bold to publisher tag
Discover more from Creed Taylor Produced
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.