I chose to take the Evolution of Jazz I and Evolution of Jazz II courses because I have a strong interest in music. I listen to all types of music, including songs in different languages, but my favorite genres are Gospel, R&B, and Neo-soul. This course has been beneficial, because now I am more aware of how influential jazz musicians were to musicians of all genres, in aspects of song composition, song structure, and performance techniques.
Spirituals had a great influence on gospel music, jazz music, and music in general. Most of the authors of these spirituals are unknown, however, because they were passed down from generation to generation, the spirituals still live on today, and are often incorporated into many modern day Gospel songs.
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R&B also incorporates more vocal-harmonies. One of my all-time favorite artists is Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder is a musical legend, and in my opinion, genius, with a vast body of work. Throughout his career he has demonstrated how jazz has influenced him. At twelve years old, he released his first album, The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie, a completely instrumental album on which he wrote some of the songs, as well as played instruments. One of my favorite albums, and arguably his most praised album, is Songs in the Key of Life. This album includes the song “Sir Duke,” which is a tribute to Duke Ellington, written two years after his death. The lyrics reference Ellington, as well as jazz legends Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. One of my very favorite Stevie Wonder songs is “Do I Do,” which is about 10 and a half minutes long, and actually features jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie on the trumpet. This song has heavy jazz influences; it’s full of instrumental improvisation, and Wonder makes jazzy ad-libs toward the end, as well as engages in a call and response with his band. Overall, my favorite thing about Stevie Wonder’s music is his ability to make his songs exciting through chord progressions, modulation, syncopation, and distinctive vocal
The Life of Billy Joel Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949 in Bronx, New York. He moved at the age of four to a small town on Long Island. This is where at the ripe age of four he discovered the art of music. Originally a classical music fan, Billy Joel honed his skills with classical piano training. This undoubtedly has had a major influence on his life and certainly his music.
AIDS is the one of the most devastating diseases known to man as of today. “At the EJAF (Elton John AIDS Foundation) we believe that AIDS can be beaten” (Elton). Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the most well-known charities in it’s field and is well respected throughout the world. Elton John decided to start this organization after losing two of his close friends, Freddie Mercury and Ryan White, to the disease. The foundation was initially set up in the United States (New York) in 1992, and then the United Kingdom (London) in 1993 (Elton). The principal advocacy of the foundation is to improve the quality of life of those diagnosed with or at high risk for HIV/AIDS.
Throughout America’s history there have been countless influential leaders that have proudly been American. Those have held positions of politicians, soldiers, and . Kanye Omari West has opened the eyes of today's generation and still continues to shape American history. His musical influence has transformed the lives of countless people. Inspiring many to stand up and fight for what they believe in is something Kanye West continues to do even today.. Also, opening the eyes of many to racial injustice towards African American citizens. I’ll further elaborate my claim in the following paragraphs using historical evidence.
Jazz is referred as “America’s classical music,” and is one of North America’s and most celebrated genres. The history of Jazz can be traced back to the early era of the 20th century of the U.S. “A History of Jazz” presents From Ragtime and Blues to Big Band and Bebop, jazz has been a part of a proud African American tradition for over 100 years. A strong rhythmic under-structure, blue notes, solos, “call-and response” patterns, and
Motown is credited with the success of influential artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, etc.
During its early days, jazz was seen as a “forward-looking art, incorporating new techniques, more expansive harmonies and melodies” ( Otherbook).
songs of her career. Lady Day was with Count Basie's Orchestra during much of 1937 but, she
“West End Blues” begins with a 12-second trumpet solo that displayed Armstrong’s wonderful range and demonstrated the syncopated styling unique
Though jazz has changed, the background behind it still inspires those today. Even though each artist has their particular style or expression, they all can agree that music is art. They can all agree that music is about emotions and feelings. Through the years, just as all things do, Jazz and Bebop have grown and flourished across America and the World. All in all, Jazz for African Americans opened the doors in America, jazz alone opened doors and ears all across the Earth.
He had exposure to several different genres growing up in his St. Louis, MO hometown. He heard country from the whites, rhythm & blues (R&B) from mostly blacks, even Latin music. His family environment set him up well for future success while growing up in a middle class home in the middle of the Great Depression of the 1930s. His parents sun...
Paul Simon single-handedly changed the world of song writing. His songwriting is among the best, if not the best, of all time. It changed the life of millions of young teenagers who felt more connected with Simon's introverted style of music rather than with Bob Dylan's protest music. Simon was the first to use poetry as a style of songwriting, which has been a prominent feature of current songwriters.
Contemporary, as well as older, Gospel music originated from the “Spirituals.” The spirituals, also known as the “Negro Spirituals or African-American folk songs,” were religious songs sung by the African Americans slaves in Southern America. The spirituals spawned from teachings of Christianity from slave owners, the church and even hymns. The songs were usually about love, hope, peace, oppression, freedom and even used as a secret code. The African American slaves would sing while working so much so that slave o...
Now a days, many believe that jazz is not that important of music genre, but with our history, jazz plays a big role. “Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but it is a gift that America has given to the world.”, quoted by Ahmad Alaadeen. Jazz in the 1920’s opened the eyes of whites and invited them into African American culture; it evolved Americans to where we are today since it brought a change to the music scene, an acceptance of African Americans, and a change of lifestyles.
Michael Jackson is known for King of Pop. Jackson full name is Michael Joseph Jackson, he was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indian. Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. Michael has a mother name Katherine Jackson and a father name Joseph Jackson. Michael was a singer, music producer, song writer, and a dancer, he also was married twice. Michael was married to Debbie Rowe, November 15, 1996, and had a divorce with her on October 8, 1999. He also was married to Lisa Marie Presley, May 18, 1994 and divorced her on January 18, 1996. (biography.com) & (cnn.com)
“You can’t base your life on other people’s expectations (Stevie Wonder Quotes, n.d.).” Stevie Wonder was an unstoppable man who didn’t let other people’s expectations determine his fate. Stevie Wonder broke down the barrier for African Americans by showing that they can do whatever whites could do and he earned 19 Grammys, making him one of the most talented musicians of the 20th century.