9. Substance Abuse and the Jazz Lifestyle
The image of the hard-living jazz musician became a stereotype rooted in reality for many. Grueling late-night performances, relentless touring, and creative pressures often led artists to seek solace in alcohol and drugs. This toxic environment contributed to the tragic downfalls of numerous icons, cementing a heartbreaking link between artistic genius and addiction. The legacy of substance abuse remains one of the most sobering aspects of jazz history.
