John LaPorta interviewed by Monk Rowe, Sarasota, Florida, April 13, 1996 [transcript]

Table of Contents: Biography -- Summer jazz camps -- Classical aspirations/Playing alto in the dance band era -- Economic factors in decline of big bands/"Music answers different needs at different times" -- Blues-based difference between white and black bands -- Work with Charles Mingus/Jazz composers orchestra -- Jazz education as a student and a teacher/Quote about technique -- Composing and arranging/"School of jazz band" work -- Work with Woody Herman "Herd" -- Louis Armstrong : "greatest mentor" of jazz.