Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was born in Washington, D.C. on April 29, 1899. Ellington came from a middle class African-American family who made sure that he had everything he wanted. Ellington would later say that he was "spoiled rotten" as a child (Seymour 68). His father, who was a butler for a prominent doctor, taught Ellington elegant manners, polished speech, and a care for his life as the middle class. From his mother, Daisy, Ellington received his spiritual side, which played a big factor later in his life. At an early age, Ellington wanted to be an artist; so like any other person interested in that field he took on art lessons. Ellington never knew how much demand art lessons required from him so he stopped taking them. Ellington's mother, again worried about her son, thought it would be good for him to take piano lessons. When Ellington agreed to take the lessons, he had no idea into what he was getting into. This single event in his life changed the course of Jazz forever. Of the many events that inspired Ellington one in particular stands out, the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was an era full of life, excitement, and activity. The world in all aspects was in gradual recovery from the depression, there were changes politically, economically, and spiritually that were some of the occurrences that helped Ellington become the genius he was. The world of music was expanding, sharing its enthusiasm throughout the world. This evolution of jazz aroused the curiosity of the nation. As Blacks received their freedom, they were able to express themselves as talented individuals. Certain blacks contributed immensely to the era of jazz, But no one would contribute like Ellington. Ellington entered a brand-new, exciting era as he grew up. As Ellington became an adolescent, the entertainment world was undergoing rapid change. The change was driven by the deep, persuasive shift in the American spirit.
The evolution of jazz aroused the curiosity of the nation. ... In December 1927, Ellington presented one of the most famous openings in jazz history. ... Although not as influential as Louis Armstrong or Charlie Parker, he left a much larger body of work than any other musician in the history of jazz. Actually Ellington disliked the term "jazz". ... He quotes: "I am not playing jazz. ...
Throughout the history of jazz, there have been people of other races and religions - whites of several nationalities, Cubans, Mexicans, native Americans, Haitians and overseas Europeans of all sorts involved in its creation. The first problem with doing a history of a music that has its roots entangled among so many different cultures is how to go about determining sources and origins. That's why jazz is so interesting to so many. Forms Of Jazz There are many forms of Jazz, and to list them all would take me well over triple my word limit. ... The Bebop era represents for m...
Jazz is the art of expression set to music. It is characteristically an American form of music, and its history occupies a much smaller span of time. ... Progressive Swing, also known as Progressive Jazz, was an extension of the jazz orchestras following the decline of the big band era. ... The BeBop era, nineteen forty-four to nineteen fifty-five, represents for many the most significant period in jazz history. ... There are many different forms of jazz, but only listing a few such as Ragtime, Swing and BeBop, one can get an idea of the history and birth of jazz music. ...
Jazz is music with a history and a heart, it is both historically and musically a very deep expression of American culture. ... Its history occupies a much smaller span of time. ... Jazz has been building up throughout history since the break of time. ... One of the most important times in history that influenced jazz music the most was the Harlem Renaissance. ... Many modern musicians have been influenced by his work even when his career spanned a time in history when Black people were being discriminated against in all parts of society. ...
JAZZ Jazz is the art of expression set to music! ... Whether under composition guidelines or improvisation, jazz reflected spontaneous melodic phrasing (Jazz History 2001). ... Of course that seems to be the history of what we now refer to as jazz, however, the influences of what led to those early New Orleans sounds goes way back to tribal African drum beats and European musical structures. ... Playing jazz influenced dance music, was billed as the King of Jazz (History of Jazz 2001). ... Jazz is a kind of music. ...
Before taking History of Jazz, I personally was not a fan of jazz concerts or jazz music overall. ... However, after taking this course my view of Jazz took a 180. After learning about the history of jazz, how it began, the different types of rhythms I developed quite an interest in this kind of music-one that hadn't previous existed. ... I would say that this song is what completely changed my impression of jazz music. ... It completely changed my view of jazz. ...
Let us begin with a look at the histories of the two. ... The terms "Jazz" and "Jazz Band" first surfaced in the year 1900. ... This modern Jazz music has been called "Fusion." ... Throughout the history of Jazz, however, notation was more like a rough sketch. ... Jazz groups rarely use conductors. ...
