History of JazzDevelopment of the only truly American Music

African Heritage

▪ Jazz came from an integration of African and Western European influences.

▪ African musical concepts were brought to America by slaves and were mixed with European music and European instruments.

▪ Example: Manyanga Drum Rhythm

American Slave Music

▪ American Slaves were limited to signing while they worked or while in church.

▪ This music became an important aspect of their culture, as both a means of communication and an emotional outlet.

▪ After emancipation, black music began to grow with the changes in African American lifestyle.

▪ Example: Berta, Berta by Leroy Miller & A Group of Prisoners

The Blues

▪ The Blues is the basis for Jazz and all American Music.

▪ It is rooted in field hollers and work songs.

▪ The Blues reflect the problems that people, especially African Americans, faced in society.

▪ Example: Black Snake Moan by Blind Lemon Jefferson

New Orleans

▪ The “Birthplace of Jazz”▪ Jazz first developed here because of

its geographic location, extensive African-American population, and many music venues.

▪ African-American music combined with the European and Latin American influences in New Orleans to create “New Orleans Jazz”.

▪ Example: When the Saints Go Marching In by George Lewis

Chicago in the 1920’s

• Because of the racial pressure of The South, many New Orleans jazz musicians moved to Chicago.

• Chicago became the home of “New Orleans Jazz”.

• Example: Black Bottom Stomp by Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers

Big Bands and The Swing Era

▪ The Swing Era began in the mid-1920s and ran until the end of WWII.

▪ Bands grew to 10-15 members, and the music became more danceable.

▪ This era also saw the rise of the Jazz Singer.▪ Big Bands were often known by their leader, with

famous leaders like Duke Ellington, Count Bassie, and Benny Goodman.

▪ Examples: – Prelude to a Kiss by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra– Lester Leaps In by Count Bassie’s Kansas City Seven– Georgia On My Mind by Billie Holiday and Her

Orchestra

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