Sorry about getting the facts wrong! Its years since I read the book.

I agree with you about the body of work giving us sustenance.

I think though there are things to be learned.

That his own union, who should have been promoting creativity was so stupid and obstructive. His family - despite the gloss, later applied - well there was something not quite right.

The economic pressure once again propelling him into The Whiteman band. That's another weird happenstance.

I imagine all folk players have churned out Country Roads ans streets of London to put food on the table. That a genius such as Bix should have been prey to the same pressures really is an obscenity. Its like Clapton joining the Big Ben Banjo Band.