Jazz Greats: An Intimate Look

A Captivating Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse into the Lives of Jazz Legends

In the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Pannonica de Koenigswarter, known as Nica, was a constant and benevolent presence on the thriving New York jazz scene. Born into the wealthy Rothschild family and later marrying a French aristocrat, she was dubbed the "Jazz Baroness." Nica befriended some of the biggest names in jazz, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and Bud Powell, among many others. She inspired over twenty jazz compositions, bailed musicians out of jail, and even acted as a booking agent.

Nica's unique connection to the jazz community went beyond just being a patron. Over the course of a decade, she asked three hundred musicians a simple question: What are your three wishes in life? She diligently jotted down their responses in a notebook, creating a fascinating window into the hopes and dreams of these legendary artists. Simultaneously, she took hundreds of candid photographs, capturing the intimate moments and relationships that defined the jazz scene.

Now, for the first time in America, Nica's forays into the psyches and lives of these jazz icons are being made available in the compilation "Three Wishes." Featuring a foreword by celebrated jazz critic Gary Giddins and an introduction from Nica's granddaughter, Nadine de Koenigswarter, this book provides rare insights into the mysterious baroness's life and her deep, personal connections to the immortals of classic jazz.

This funny, eclectic, and moving compilation offers a uniquely intimate look into the world of these legendary musicians. From the bebop pioneers to the cutting-edge innovators, the book captures the hopes, dreams, and experiences that shaped their artistry and legacy. As a must-have for any jazz fan or aficionado, "Three Wishes" provides an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of the giants who defined the golden age of jazz.

The book not only serves as a tribute to Nica's unwavering dedication and support for the jazz community but also celebrates the profound impact these artists had on the world of music. Through the window of Nica's notebooks and photographs, readers are invited to step into the intimate, creative spaces where these legends honed their craft and forged their indelible mark on the art form.

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