In the world of biographical storytelling, Walter Isaacson is the ultimate tour guide through the minds of visionaries who changed humanity. From tech titans like Steve Jobs to historical icons like Leonardo da Vinci, Isaacson has made a career of unraveling the complex tapestry of genius.

His journey began in the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where a teenage Isaacson would spend nights at Preservation Hall, mesmerized by jazz legend Sweet Emma Barrett. Those early experiences planted the seeds of understanding how creativity emerges from unexpected places.

The Music of Genius

Isaacson’s approach to understanding brilliance is deeply personal. He recalls intimate moments with Steve Jobs, who during his final days was obsessed with music, constantly playing songs that seemed to reflect his inner turmoil. “I write about really creative people, and one thing they have in common is they’re all misfits,” Isaacson once said.

Resilience and Creativity

His connection to New Orleans, particularly after Hurricane Katrina, reveals another dimension of his storytelling. Witnessing the city’s revival through music - like Bruce Springsteen’s powerful performance at Jazz Fest - taught him that creativity emerges from struggle and resilience.

The Storyteller’s Magic

Today, teaching at Tulane University, Isaacson continues to explore what makes visionaries tick. His magic, he believes, lies in a simple phrase: “Let me tell you a story”. And what stories they are - tales that reveal the human behind the legend, the vulnerability beneath the genius.