Foreword: In the Basement, by Bill Cosby 
Acknowledgments

Introduction, by Wynton Marsalis

Part One First Chorus (1926-1949) 
1. Finding a Rhythm: Philadelphia and Wilmington, North Carolina 
2. Big Band Connections 
3. Organizing and Melodizing

Part Two Second Chorus (1949-1969) 
4. High Note-Low Note: Dizzy and Miles 
5. Sharp Dissonance to Smooth Harmony with Mona 
6. On the Riverside 
7. Maintaining the Groove

Part Three Third Chorus (1969-1986) 
8. Stretching Out: Jazz Transitions 
9. Marchin’ On: The Heath Brothers 
10. “For the Public”: The Heath Brothers

Part Four Fourth Chorus (1986-) 
11. Reharmonization: Queens College 
12. Up-Tempo Mode 
13. Aroma of the Roses 
14. Endless Stroll

Appendixes 
Appendix A: Unique Names 
Appendix B: Honors and Awards 
Appendix C: Selected Discography 
Appendix D: Compositions 
Appendix E: Chronology 
Index