JAZZ IN THE 30S AND 40S
Jazz was the first genre of music that represented black culture. It was first originated in West Africa but soon came to New Orleans in the late 19th century. Over time jazz migrated from different cities such as Chicago, Harlem, and Kansas City. Most people moved to Harlem to discover new jobs and perform more talent in Nightclubs, Movie theaters, and other events. Jazz was a creative genre. Artist and musicians created their own sound and improvised when playing or singing jazz.
Trad and Swing Jazz
BILLIE HOLIDAY
Billie Holiday was a famous jazz/ blues singer. she was one of the greatest singers doing the jazz era. She was known as “Lady Day”. When singing her vocal were very strong and her improvisation skills. When she sang, she felt every passion. She was also very modern.
Ella Fitzgerald
She was known as the “Queen of scat”or “The First Lady Of Song”. She had flexibility in her voice. She sung sultry ballads and Sweet jazz and in Orchestra’s. She worked with many other artists Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie.
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was a famous pianist and leader of jazz orchestra. He performed in nightclubs in Harlem. Some popular songs he performed was “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Don’t Got That Swing” and ” Sophisticated Lady”.
Louis Armstrong
“The father of jazz” he was a the world’s most famous trumpet player . He combined all the aspects of jazz and developed his own sound. He was also known for his trumpet solo’s
Cool Jazz
John Coltrane
John Coltrane was a jazz saxophonist and composer. He played hard bop, cool jazz, and bebop. Hard bop was a response to cool jazz. He included more blues into his jazz music. He played different types of hard bop such as funky jazz and mainstream jazz. Funky jazz had an electrified sound and was influenced by blues and gospel music.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was trumpeter, Composer, and bandleader. He developed cool jazz and also played jazz with a repetition style. He was known for his most popular album “Birth Of The Cool”.
Bebop
Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker was a famous saxophonist and bandleader. He had a nickname called “Bird”. He played with a fast tempo and strong harmonies. He was the creator of bebop.
Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie was a famous trumpet player, Bandleader, and singer. He played jazz, bebop, and afro-cuban jazz. One of his famous songs was “salt and peanuts”. He also played with Charlie Parker and helped evolve bebop.
