John Hammond

John Hammond was a legendary popular music promoter and producer. He started and influenced the careers of many icons of American popular music including Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.
The author, Dunstan Prial makes it clear that in addition to his obsessive interest in jazz, blues, roots music and other forms of popular music, Hammond saw that if he could get the music industry to integrate (starting with Benny Goodman's band in  the 1930's) the nation would follow suit.
This book would make a good gift to the music lover on your list this season