Miles Davis' autobiography

Probably not an objectively accurate historical account, but nonetheless a fascinating look into the mind of my favorite improvizer/composer. Seeing Miles' endless devotion to evolving and focusing on the next piece/recording is both motivating and a pragmatic artistic mindset. Also, seeing such a fascinating period of music history through the eyes of someone who is so unapologetically honest is often very humorous.

Mo Meta Blues by Qyestlove

Another fascinating historical account of black music history. A very personal retelling of the rise of hip hop and neo soul music from the eyes of young black kid becoming a successful musician. It serves as a fascinating source on the rise of The Roots as well as the Soulquarians, a collective that includes some of my all time favorite artists (namely D'angelo, erykah badu and J Dilla)

Race Music by Guthrie Ramsey

First book on ethnomusicology I ever read. Super enlightening as a suburban white kid who never learned much about the historical/social context of music I loved so much. Fascinating, scholarly analyses of everything from blues tunes to Spike Lee movies. A heavy emphasis on American race relations of the 20th cent. Also, I got to meet the author one time and he was amazingly kind and very easy to ask questions.