Jazz History Essay

1028 Words3 Pages

In the early 1900s jazz became a stepping stone for women. After the Women’s liberation movement in the 1920s jazz became an outlet to rebel. Along with the ratification of the 18th and 19th amendments women became more empowered and wanted to be seen as individuals. There were plenty of obstacles along the way women had to face to become part of the jazz world. However in time jazz changed the way women are perceived; it gave women freedom, acceptance and opportunity. In return women such as Mary Lou Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Lil Harden and more made significant contributions to jazz music that shaped it and made jazz what it is today.
Although women have made huge contributions to jazz back in the early 1900s most female musicians went unnoticed. Innovations in jazz seemed to come mainly from those who played wind instruments, such as trumpet, saxophone or the clarinet. However these were considered male positions. Most women took on other instruments such as the piano. Mary Lou Williams and Lillian Hardin were pianists and are currently recognized as great contributors to jazz music, but did not receive this same recognition back in the early 1900s. During this time women were sometimes used in a band more for their looks rather than talent. It wasn’t until the introduction of female vocalists whose role was similar to those of the featured wind instruments that broadened the dimensions of jazz. These melodic voice improvisations were one of the main contributions women made to jazz. This definitely helped give recognition to women such as Ella Fitzgerald and changed the role and outlook on women forever.
Mary Lou William was one of the most accomplished and influential female jazz pianist, arranger, composer, and teacher ...

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...jazz bands or played in family-based groups. Women fought for years for a turn in the spotlight and finally received it when Ella Fitzgerald came along. Fitzgerald created the turning point for acceptance of women into the jazz industry wen voice was added as an important instrument to the art. Back in the day women like Fitzgerald, were able to enjoy successful careers and worldwide popularity while some of the other women were less fortunate. However these famous women; Fitzgerald, Hardin, and Williams, are the reason women got accepted into this industry and without these women’s persistence jazz would never be the same.
Overall, there are so many women who have made great contributions to jazz. Fitzgerald, Hardin and Williams are just a few that overcame sexism to peruse their dreams. With this accomplishment women gained power, freedom and changed jazz forever.

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