As a young man I took drum lessons from one of my states best Jazz drummers in the early to late 60's, (but all I wanted to do was play Rock & Roll to meet girls.)
Time and maturity began to play a large part in my musical appreciation, just as my teacher said it would. (The Rock thing kind of wore itself out)
One day, many many moons ago, I purchased a Cannonball Adderley record in the sale bin for $3.99 went home and took a quick listen, I thought wow! this is different, and challenging, and beautiful, and cool, and real, and honest...the music took hold of me. I began reading all of the jazz history I could, I investigated how jazz began, to where it is today, and I read the biography's of my favorite artists. I began attending jazz concerts. My recording collection began to grow and grow. Now, I listen to all types of jazz, but naturally purchase what I like best. Along the way, I relearned my instrument, so I could play the music I enjoyed, I played and gigged for about 10 years (its can be fun, but it also can be trying)
Now...I simply love to "loose myself" in a good CD when ever I can, nothing on the TV, and the head phones go on, when I watch sports my head phones are on, I wake in the morning put my phones on and visit my drum kit. My wife says, "You're a jazznut" If I had unlimited funds, I would be a fixture at "Smalls Jazz Club" in New York City on the weekends.