So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast Ep. 260: Remembering 'free-thinking' writer Nat Hentoff
Dec 19, 2025
Nick Hentoff, son of the esteemed writer Nat Hentoff, reflects on his father's profound legacy as a champion of free speech, while filmmaker David Lewis shares insights from his documentary on Nat's life. The conversation delves into Nat's early influences, his unique voice in jazz and journalism, and his controversial stance on free expression. They discuss Nat's moral courage to defend unpopular views, his critiques of political figures, and the lasting impact he left on both the jazz community and dissenting voices in America.
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Free Speech As A Life Philosophy
- Nat Hentoff treated free speech as a defining characteristic that informed all parts of life.
- He linked jazz individuality to constitutional freedom as complementary expressions of voice.
Growing Up As Nat Hentoff’s Son
- Nick Hentoff grew up with his father Nat being a ubiquitous public figure and this shaped his childhood identity.
- People constantly asked if he was related to Nat, making that association a lifelong feature.
Music Fusion: Cantorial Music And Jazz
- Nat Hentoff said jazz hit him hard at age 11 and he compared cantorial singing to jazz's emotional cry.
- That musical fusion influenced his lifelong devotion to both Jewish culture and jazz criticism.