Jazz History for Beginners: The Inspiring Story of Its Origins, Legends, Cities and How It Entertained While Integrating the Races

Jazz History for Beginners The Inspiring Story of Its Origins, Legends, Cities, and How It Entertained While Integrating the Races By Annalisa Ewald Jazz is more than a musical genre. It is a movement, an escape, and a form of rebellion–one whose mystery you can uncover through the fascinating musicians that shaped its history. Jazz doesn’t easily fit into any category owing to its diverse roots, incredible flexibility, and passion for improvisation. It is therefore ironic, yet somehow understandable, that this mysterious genre, so different even from other Black-inspired music, should be so well-loved by millions of people across the globe. Jeff Garlin recently announced that Los Angeles was on the verge of a major jazz rebirth, and celebrities like Billy Crystal, Bill Maher, and Tommy Chong are all self-confessed “hardcore jazz buffs.” Perhaps the secret to jazz’s eternal appeal is its democratic nature. Modern jazz defies its Dixieland roots and is inherently irreverent and versatile. This musical genre embraces individuality and daringness and always has room for a new cat willing to celebrate their individuality and defy convention. Jazz also has a fascinating history and an important role in battling discrimination. Icons like Louis Armstrong, known worldwide as one of the most uplifting and talented musicians, found a form of “escape” in jazz. Music has always been a key road to freedom from segregation, but in the case of jazz, it created an entire cultural ecosystem that enabled black musicians to make a living doing the thing they most loved. Jazz History for Beginners shares the magic of the world’s most courageous, groundbreaking genres, demystifying the myriad of styles, tonal colors, and rhythms that define jazz. Within its pages, you will find: The 3 elements that gave rise to jazz: the Caribbean, Catholicism, and the rich culture of the Deep South. The story of how New Orleans jazz took over Chicago–including why jazz is called jazz! The start of Louis Armstrong’s reign–and the rise of other greats like Joe Oliver (King of Jazz) and Jelly Roll Morton and his standout ensemble, The Red Hot Peppers. How WWI was a cross-cultural experience that planted the seeds of jazz in Europe, thanks to musicians like James Reese Europe–dubbed “the Martin Luther King of music.” The Chicago jazz scene’s move to New York City–and the rise of George Gershwin, Fats Weller, Duke Ellington, and more talented musicians. The Swing Era and the powerful women who took jazz by storm–including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Josephine Baker. Bebop’s courageous expansion into fusion and the rise of greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and South African jazz greats. The internationalization of jazz and the birth of jazz fusion–known as jazz’s “last subgenre.” How racism and segregation threatened jazz musicians–even greats like Satchmo–and how jazz emerged victorious, uniting people from across the globe. And much more. If you’ve always been attracted to the improvisational sounds of jazz but wished you knew about its unique history, musicians, and instruments, this book is a great place to start. Jazz History for Beginners is a riveting, page-turning introduction to what has made this genre so appealing practically from day one. Become a more confident jazz music fan and share fascinating facts about this popular musical genre with your friends and family.