King Oliver New Orleans Research Paper

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Camille Burton Dr. Greene English 1010-3 22 November 2014 Jazz Artists in New Orleans The early development of jazz is closely tied with the community and is a very important part of the history of New Orleans. New Orleans is seen to be the home of new jazz during the 1900's. Both King Oliver and Louis Armstrong were two very important figures in the creation of jazz. Both of these amazing and talented artist made big impressions in New Orleans during their careers. Joe ‘King’ Oliver is one of the most important figures in early jazz, and created what's called hot jazz. Hot jazz is how they describe his style of collective improvisation. King Oliver did not come from a formal musical education, rather he was raised on the plantations by …show more content…

The first bar he started playing at was The Eagle Saloon around 1908. When he first started playing here it was said his playing was loud and horrible, therefore the customers sent him home. This horrible reaction from his audience forced Oliver to return home and practice more in hopes of becoming much better. Between 1910 and 1917 he played in numerous clubs and built his reputation and image. During this time period he also brought together some of the most well-known players of the new jazz music. He was a member of the Melrose Brass Band and Onward Brass Band during these years as well. In 1914 he took a spot in the Olympia Band under one of the violinist. Also during 1914 he was the leader of the Waif’s Home Band. In 1917 Oliver joined Kid Ory’s band and it was during this time people started calling him by ‘King.’ Some of the other bands he was a member of include The Olympia, The Original Superior, and The Eagle Band. King Oliver became one of the few fully employed black musicians in New Orleans during this time. He was also the mentor of Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong’s musical interest was sparked when Oliver gave him his first cornet. Armstrong later on became famous for his innovative ways of altering the sound of his …show more content…

Armstrong was mentored and inspired by King Oliver. Armstrong was born in 1901 and had a rocky childhood. In fifth grade Armstrong was forced to drop out of school and begin working. This was because his stepfather was arrested and sent to jail when he was only ten years old. This also caused him to be sent to a home for boys because he no longer had anyone to take care of him. He was released from the home two years later. While staying at this home for hoys he fell in love with music when he met Joe Oliver. King Oliver gave him his first cornet. A cornet is a brass instrument resembling a trumpet but shorter and wider. He became famous for his innovative ways of altering the sound of the cornet. When he was released he immediately began his pathway to making