Binyi Wu Ethnomusicology 50A Discussion 1E November 23, 2015 Billy Strayhorn “The extent to which Billy Strayhorn gained recognition during his years with us was never commensurate with his contribution” said Leonard Feather, the British-born jazz musician. Indeed, though contributing enormous brilliant jazz pieces to the Swing era, Billy Strayhorn was far more unnoticed compared to his collaborator, the jazz master Duke Ellington. Instead, living most of his professional life as the protege of Duke Ellington, Strayhorn passed away in 1967 at too young an age to fully illustrate his own music to the world. However, Strayhorn’s work encountered a resurgence with the dedication of fellow musicians like Toshiko Akiyoshi and Joe Henderson
Bringing intellectual stimulation through his invigorating works, Claude McKay was recognized to be one of the most inspirational figures during the Harlem Renaissance. McKay served to be a model for blacks, especially those who suffered the tortures of slavery in America. Poems, short-written books as well as novels were representatives of his art. From the application of skill and a bit of imagination the writings he expressed revealed real events that spurred the movement of reviving black cultural identity.
Chuck Berry was born Charles Anderson Edward Berry on October 18, 1926 in Louis, Missouri by Martha and Henry Berry. His parents were the grandchildren of slaves and how he was raised, not seeing or knowing a Whiteman until 3 years old. He had started the hobby of music and singing at the age 6. He was always known to be a troublemaker throughout school.
Just like any amazing artist, Miles’ Davis fame and skill did not come overnight. Back in high was when his first job experiences began. He worked at local bars and played at gigs, whenever he had the chance. These were only the beginning, one year later Davis joined the Blue Devils—his first band. He soon to attend Julliard, which led to the launch of his successful career.
Duke Ellington was a jazz author, conductor, and entertainer amid the Harlem Renaissance. During the developmental Cotton Club years, he explored different avenues regarding and built up the style that would rapidly bring him overall achievement. Ellington would be among the first to concentrate on melodic shape and sythesis in jazz. Ellington composed more than 2000 pieces in his lifetime. The Duke Ellington Orchestra was the "house" symphony for various years at the Cotton Club.
Hank Williams became one of America's first country music superstars and father of contemporary country music at age of 25. Williams like any other musician in history greatly contributed to the music industry and inspired many country musicians back in his days and after he died. As a talented music legend, he created and established standard rules for all upcoming country musicians and performers who followed his footsteps. Music they say; is the food for the soul and medication for a lonely heart. Music “frequencies seem to overpower our neurological impulses that make us feel at a lightened state of excitement without taking any mind altering substances, or medication to change our social and emotional state of being rather than a state
Music 1920s You can call it what you want, start of the great depresion, The Roaring 20s. But when look at that time, I see the decade my grandpa was born. Along with some of the best music in history. Yes, it is jazz. If you hate it, that is your mistake.
Despite the negativity surrounding the Great Depression, music continued to march on through the Great Depression. In fact, it was used as a moral uplift for those who hit the ground hard from the adversity. What type of music genres formed and/or developed during this period of time? Jazz and Blues music primarily, as they developed further down the line. However, the former showed the most growth, as Jazz music has always thrived in adversity and came to symbolize American freedom(s).
"Satchmo," "Pops," and "Ambassador Satch" were names for an outstanding jazz artist that inspired many. He was one of the most important musicians in jazz. He helped to transform the traditional New Orleans style into a completely different form of jazz. Louis Daniel Armstrong was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana in a very poor neighborhood. His father, a laborer, abandoned the family when he was young, and his mother was an irresponsible single parent.
