Louis Jordan's Contribution To Jazz

Jazz music did not become successful on its own. Its huge success during the 1940’s and 1950’s is due to the talented jazz singers and musicians who contributed to music. One of the successful musicians who contributed to Jazz was Louis Jordan. Jordan was an African American singer, bandleader and best known for his amazing technique and style while playing the saxophone. What set Jordan apart from all the other Jazz singers of his time was his appearance; being a comedian before going into music helped him appeal a wider and a more diverse audience. Appealing a more diverse audience was especially important during a time where segregation was an ongoing problem. His success was also due to his amazing band, the Tympany Five. The band included

The feelings the saxophone sends during the 20 measures of the sixth chorus create a deep feeling that attracts the listener to the next piece of the song. So far, the message Jordan has sent has been undesirable and depicted through the failures of a country that denies its people of color. The extended saxophone solo represents a turning point in the song and in the way African American began to think. Throughout the entire song up until the 6th chorus, the saxophone, although vital to the music, is simply an instrument that is part of the ensemble. During its solo the saxophone takes its own identity and becomes appreciated for what it is throughout the song, a vital instrument in the song and band. During the 9th chorus the saxophone solo is repeated again, however this time it is only 6 measures which distinguishes it from the 8 measure refrain and 12 measure

He has turned a negative into a positive by “living the life of Riley,” an expression drawn from the times of World War I meaning a pleasant and easy life. Jordan continued to sing, “And watch the train a runnin' when it's ballin' the jack! / Oh I just love the rhythm of the clickity-clack/ So take me right back to the shack, Jack!” Part of living a good life included appreciating the little things life has to give, such as the sounds of the train. Although he lived in a “beaten-down shack” which didn’t have much to offer it gave him the chance to listen to the sounds of the train and realize the adventures people had awaiting for them. The song then ends with a 2 measure lick where Jordan states, “Take me right back to the track, Jack” a repetition of how each refrain ended emphasizing the appreciation for little things in