Mingus Ah Um
Charles Mingus
35 €
Estimated vinyl value [2026 Valuation]
Technical Identification Sheet
| RELEASE NUMBER (Discogs ID) | 5019553 |
| Excel File Row | 391 |
| Date Added to Archive | 27/09/2026, 14:13:58 |
| Pressing Year | 2012 |
| Pressing Type (Press) | REPRINT |
| Country of Pressing | Italy |
| Record Label | Columbia |
| Stereo / Mono | STEREO |
| Catalogue Number | NO CAT NO. |
| Barcode | 9772039222616-11017 |
| Matrix / Runout Side A | - |
| Matrix / Runout Side B | - |
| Sleeve Condition | SS |
| Media Condition | SS |
| Inner Sleeve Condition | SS |
| Genre | Jazz |
| External Link | View Original Release ↗ |
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Story & Background
A crucial anecdote related to the original release of *Mingus Ah Um* concerns the censorship imposed by Columbia Records on one of the album's most biting tracks. The track in question, "Fables of Faubus", was conceived by Charles Mingus with explicit and caustic lyrics, directed against the segregationist governor of Arkansas, Orval Faubus. Mingus intended to openly denounce his racist positions, during a period of great tension for civil rights in the United States. However, the record label, concerned about potential political and commercial repercussions, including the loss of radio airplay opportunities, insisted on the removal of the vocal parts. Consequently, the version featured on the album *Mingus Ah Um* is purely instrumental, stripped of its intrinsic lyrical protest power. This imposition was a severe blow to Mingus, who saw his artistic and political message distorted. Only the following year, in 1960, Mingus managed to release the complete version with the original lyrics on the album *Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus* for the independent label Candid. This episode makes the original edition of *Mingus Ah Um* a silent testament to a battle for freedom of expression, a fascinating detail for any collector.
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Official Tracklist
- A1 - Better Git It In Your Soul (7:22)
- A2 - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (4:48)
- A3 - Boogie Stop Shuffle (3:43)
- A4 - Self-Portrait In Three Colors (3:06)
- A5 - Open Letter To Duke (4:56)
- B1 - Bird Calls (3:12)
- B2 - Fables Of Faubus (8:14)
- B3 - Pussy Cat Dues (6:30)
- B4 - Jelly Roll (4:02)
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