Jazz and Blues
The Harlem Renaissance introduced America to a new style of music. It represented expression pride, reality and civil rights through the arts. Blues is a genre that originated in the Deep South of the US around the 1860's by African-Americans from roots in work songs and spirituals. What came to be called Jazz emerged from blues and ragtime as well as other musical influences. Jazz was characterized by improvisation meaning that no two Jazz performances would be the same.
Jazz in the 20's had various meanings. It represented African American artistic expression. It allowed African American artists to express the social, economic and political difficulties of the time. Jazz also represented individuality and sense of personal freedom due to improvisation and because many of the singers were women.
Jazz had an enormous impact on society. Jazz built a connection between African Americans and the larger society helping reduce racism through shared music. Jazz, however, would also be played in many speakeasies during prohibition. As a result many thought that Jazz contributed to immoral behavior threatening traditional norms.
Along with Blues, Jazz was one of the first American music genres. Due to WWI, many European servicemen became fascinated with Jazz, helping it spread to Europe. Jazz would also influence R&B (Rhythm and Blues), Rock, and Hip Hop. All of those Americans forms of expression have spread successfully through out the world. Below are a few Blues and Jazz artists that became famous during the Harlem Renaissance.
Jazz in the 20's had various meanings. It represented African American artistic expression. It allowed African American artists to express the social, economic and political difficulties of the time. Jazz also represented individuality and sense of personal freedom due to improvisation and because many of the singers were women.
Jazz had an enormous impact on society. Jazz built a connection between African Americans and the larger society helping reduce racism through shared music. Jazz, however, would also be played in many speakeasies during prohibition. As a result many thought that Jazz contributed to immoral behavior threatening traditional norms.
Along with Blues, Jazz was one of the first American music genres. Due to WWI, many European servicemen became fascinated with Jazz, helping it spread to Europe. Jazz would also influence R&B (Rhythm and Blues), Rock, and Hip Hop. All of those Americans forms of expression have spread successfully through out the world. Below are a few Blues and Jazz artists that became famous during the Harlem Renaissance.
Bessie SmithDuke Ellington |
Billie Holiday 'Ma' Rainey |
Dorothy DandridgeLouis Armstrong |
Theater
Theater also grew during the Harlem Renaissance. Shuffle Along became the first Broadway musical that was written, produced and performed by African Americans. Yet another play was The Emperor Jones in 1920, a tragic play that tells the tale of Brutus Jones, a resourceful, self-assured, African American former Pullman porter, who kills another black man in a dice game.