Musician+7

= Harlem Renaissance Musician =

 The traditional jazz band was composed primarily of brass instruments and was considered a symbol of the south, but the piano was considered an instrument of the wealthy. With this instrumental modification to the existing genre, the wealthy blacks now had more access to jazz music. Its popularity soon spread throughout the country and was consequently at an “all time high.” Innovation and liveliness were important characteristics of performers in the beginnings of jazz. During this time period, the musical style and culture of blacks was becoming more and more attractive to whites. White novelists, dramatists and composers started to exploit the musical tendencies and themes of African-American in their works. Composers used poems written by African American poets in their songs, and would implement the rhythms, harmonies and melodies of African-American music such as blues, spirituals, and jazz into their concert pieces. Negros began to merge with Whites into the classical world of musical composition.

The Harlem Community always found many ways to enjoy themselves. Music was a great foundation for entertainment, filling jazz clubs and even personal rent parties. Vaudevilles and comedy clubs were filled with audiences craving a hearty laughter and fun-filled entertainment. Rent parties brought both friends and strangers together for a good time that lasted the entire night. Not only did they provide entertainment, but they also helped the hosts pay their rent. Entertainment was an intricate part of Harlem in the 1920’s and gave way to new styles and traditions still popular today.

 (1899 - 1974) ﻿Duke is considered the century's preeminent jazz bandleaders and composer. It is estimated that his orchestra recorded around two thousand compositions. Ellington got his nickname of "Duke" from a friend who was commenting on his elegant manners, and dress. Duke atteneded Armstrong Manual Training School to study commercial art, at this time he seeked out and listened to ragtime pianists during the summers were he vacationed with his parents down in Asbury Park. This is where he discovered Harvey Brooks a pianist, who inspired Duke to play and look at the piano in a whole new light. Duke was then taught how to read music by Oliver "Doc" Perry and Louis Brown. Duke started playing clubs and dropped out of school three months shy of graduation, starting his proffesional music career. In 1917 Duke formed his first group and by 1923 he left Washington and moved to New York. Through the power of radio listeners throughout New York heard Duke Ellington, spawning his first recordings. Thanks to the wide spread sales of radio recievers Duke's band was broadcasted across the nation live on "From The Cotton Club", which is a club that still exsits in Harlem. Ellington has great influence on people even today. Stevie Wonder's hit "Sir Duke" is in honor of Duke Ellington.

 Work Cites: [] []  http://connections-jazzage.wikispaces.com/Zora+Neale+Hurston  []  []