Luca Santin
Mrs. Kane
Music & Lit
17 February 2023
Harlem Renaissance Project
Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, and Aaron Douglas were all important figures during the Harlem Renaissance. While each of these individuals had their own unique talents and contributions, there are several similarities that can be drawn between them. There are three main topics that each of these people took part of during this time period: celebration of black culture, use of the arts, and collaboration with other people in their respective fields.
One of the key themes of the Harlem Renaissance was the celebration of black culture, and all three of these individuals played a role in promoting this idea. Langston Hughes's poetry often focused on the experiences
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Langston Hughes's poetry, for example, was often political in nature and aimed to raise awareness of the struggles of black Americans. Similarly, Louis Armstrong's music often contained subtle messages about race and class, and he was known to use his platform to advocate for civil rights. Aaron Douglas, through his art, sought to challenge stereotypes of black Americans and celebrate their cultural contributions.
Furthermore, all three of these individuals collaborated with other artists and writers during the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes worked closely with other writers and poets, including Zora Neale Hurston and Countee Cullen, to promote black voices in literature. Louis Armstrong collaborated with many jazz musicians and worked with a number of white composers and performers, helping to break down racial barriers in the music industry. Aaron Douglas, meanwhile, worked with other artists and writers to create magazines and publications that celebrated black culture and promoted black-owned
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His innovative style of jazz and his powerful, emotive performances continue to inspire musicians and listeners today. In this critical analysis, I will examine Armstrong's style and message, as well as the impact that he had on the music industry. Armstrong's style of jazz was characterized by his use of improvisation and his unique approach to phrasing. His ability to play complex solos with ease and his use of scat singing (a form of vocal improvisation) were especially noteworthy. According to jazz critic Gary Giddins, "Armstrong's solos were models of economy, grace, and expressive power" (Giddins 90). His innovative use of rhythm and timing also helped to shape the development of jazz as a musical