Creoles In New Orleans

Jazz was born in New Orleans about 100 years ago (early 20th century), but its roots can be found in the musical traditions of both Africa and Europe. Jazz is a form of improvisational art that rewards individual expression and demands self-collaboration. It is a rich tradition that reflects all Americans. It originated in one of the most cosmopolitan and musical places in America. New Orleans was the perfect city for all of these elements to come together, as it was a port city, a meeting place for people of different ethnic groups, and a city with nightlife where musicians had the opportunity to play together, learn from each other, and blend all of these elements. Each ethnic group in New Orleans contributed to the very active musical environment

“Creoles of Color” were a group of jazz players specifically of Spanish and French heritage, although they didn’t want to identify with the African Americans. They prided themselves on being able to play music for any setting. In addition, there were bass bands that had a part in Marti Gras, along with symphony orchestras. Many of the Creoles did not want to be associated with blacks, and they prided themselves on being able to play music for any setting. Many of the Creoles were well-versed in European music, which led to a diverse mixing of African themed styles that was unusual for the time. The conditions of New Orleans leant itself nicely to the synthesis of African music and in fact made it hospitable to the creation of jazz music. Not only did the geographic setting of New Orleans help make Jazz music possible, but the abolition of slavery and the historical contexts did as

Before swing, bands mostly played to audiences of their own race, but with swing, white audiences began to follow black bands as well. For example, in the mid-1930s, Benny Goodman integrated his jazz ensemble, working with Teddy Wilson a pianist, both of different races. Jazz ensembles were among the first integrated public performance groups, partly because jazz musicians knew, admired, and even borrowed one another’s work. Swing also helped lift up the national mood both during trying times in history including the Great Depression and World War II. Armed Services Radio broadcast swing music to