Larry Rivers (born Larry Grossberg in 1923 in the Bronx) rose from jazz saxophonist and composer to one of America's most influential figurative painters. In What Did I Do? he reflects on the raw instincts, artistic breakthroughs, and pivotal moments that shaped his journey from musician to visual artist.

As a precursor of pop art with an unashamed interest in sexuality and the private moment, Rivers shares candid encounters with cultural icons—Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol—and art world legends like Jackson Pollock and Clement Greenberg. His memoir explores how history, personal passion, and rivalry fueled his creative vision.

Highlights

• Candid stories of the jazz, art, and literary scenes
• Insights into Rivers' shift from music to painting
• 16 pages of color plates and 130 black-and-white illustrations
• Personal reflections on ambition, creativity, and identity

Rich with humor, criticism, and introspection, this book illuminates the vibrant crossroads of mid-20th-century culture. It offers a vivid portrait of an artist who transformed both music and painting—and invites readers into the heart of pop art's origins. This edition includes 16 pages of vibrant color images alongside 130 black-and-white illustrations that bring Rivers' memories and creations to life.

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