But his work with Newport has made him an elder statesmen among festival producers. What I've done is important to the history of the music. Unless I write my own story, that history may be forgotten. This year, Wein celebrates his 75th birthday and although he shows no signs of retiring, he knows that time is a crucial factor. Other people don't write about it, because producers are forgotten.
Producers are just there.
We are the people that make it happen, but we're not the happening. People will write a biography on Monk or Mingus, but I was so involved with these people's lives. Each one those relationships, as with other musicians, is a story in itself. He recently realized that he needed help, someone who could dedicate themselves to his numerous projects and busy schedule. Help came in the form of New York City-based jazz journalist Nate Chinen.