Via Libby at Last One Speaks comes this rather humorous study of jazz musicians, drugs and mental health.
The startling conclusion? Jazz musicians like to use drugs and also have unusual, often troubled minds.
I’ve known some jazz musicians, and other creative people of the same mental intensity. The answer is that they are afflicted with a rare form of genius.
[Testifying before Congress in 1948]
Harry Anslinger: “I need more agents.”
Senate: Why?
Anslinger: “Because there are people out there violating the marijuana laws.”
Senate: Who?
Anslinger: “Musicians… And I don’t mean good musicians; I mean jazz musicians.”