Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus

Say it as many times as you like: Charles Mingus' Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus is essential listening, whether you know his songbook inside out or you’re just getting started. Released on Impulse! in 1964, it captures one of his last great statements as a bandleader with real force and personality.

Here, Mingus leads brass-heavy ensembles through fresh versions of some of his most celebrated compositions, including Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, retitled Theme for Lester Young, and Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul. These inspired reinterpretations helped carry his influence forward for decades, reaching artists like Joni Mitchell, who paid tribute to his work near the end of his career.