5 Facts About the First Jazz Album to Sell a Million Copies

Dave Brubeck’s “Time Out” was the first jazz album to sell over a million copies. It hit number one on the Billboard pop chart, a rare achievement for jazz then or now.

The album’s most famous track is “Take Five,” written by saxophonist Paul Desmond. Its unusual 5/4 time signature made it a standout.

“Time Out” was released in 1959, a peak year for jazz innovation. Other classics like Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” came out the same year.

The album’s cover art features a bold, abstract painting by Neil Fujita. It helped the record stand out in stores.

Despite its success, Columbia Records initially hesitated to release “Time Out.” They worried the odd time signatures would alienate listeners.