Phil Schaap Tells You How to Become a Jazz Expert 

Irreplaceable gentleman. This world is a dimmer, more ignorant place, without this incredible man.

The entire summarized early history of jazz in about 8 minutes. He did indeed save you money on all the books, videos and courses. I have listened to Phil since 1986 on Saturday nights, even after moving around the country after the internet was invented. National Treasure. Walking talking jazz encyclopedia.

What's amazing about Phil is that he'll have a guest musician on and know more about the recording than those who actually recorded it. He teaches the musician's new things as well. I understand he's ill, which is a shame, the guy is a national treasure.

It's 2024, I'm listening to Phil's archived Bix Beiderbecke Birthday Broadcast on WKCR and I felt the urge to pay my respects to this great man who has been a constant source of enlightenment over the years with his knowledge, wisdom, passion, humility and charisma. Thank you Phil Schaap, indefatigable jazz crusader, you will never be forgotten.

RIP Great Phil Schaap.

I listened to him on my commute, I never heard him talk this fast, I am blown away. When he talks about Charlie Parker each word is weighted and sure footed.

Phil Schaap is better at Jazz History than anyone else is at anything...that's all

Miss you Phil. Rest in peace.

In the pre-internet radio days the radio in my office - in midtown till 1998, then downtown - always played WKCR & particularly “Bird Flight” every day - Phil used to call the station “the home of technical difficulties” as the transmitter often had problems. In 1985 they moved the transmitter to the North Tower of WTC and the signal improved dramatically. After 9/11, broadcasting from the Columbia campus it was hard to get a good signal till they finally got a tower in Times Square a few years later. Now digital radio means a great signal anywhere!!! I also keep a calendar of Phil’s “birthday broadcasts” where WKCR plays 24 hours of a jazz great's music on his/her birthday. Priceless radio!!!

RIP Phil!

Yes indeed! I've put the link in the video description

Great Video...Short Synopsis of Jazz History

God bless my friend.

I feel embarrassed but I was tad bit disappointed to look this guy up and not see James Earl Jones brother. I had to watch this video just to help me put it together that that voice comes from this man. Anyway great stuff thanks for sharing

man i hope he pulls through what he's got going on right now

May Allah Almighty grant him Jannah Ameen.