Musician+10

1. A new way of playing the piano called the was created during the Harlem Renaissance, and helped blur the lines between the poor Negros and socially elite Negros. 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.” 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. 1. []

2. The Twenties were filled with fast paced parties and lively music that filled with excitement. One of the most notable changes of the era was the music, creation of the Jazz Era

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 * 1) http://asms.k12.ar.us/classes/humanities/amstud/97-98/harren/ARM.HTM

3. Bessie Smith was known as the "Empress of the Blues" for the majesty and power with which she belted out tunes. Her unforgettably amazing voice established her as the classical blues singer. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she was coached by blues singer Ma Rainey, Smith was touring the South by the time she was in her teens. In 1923 she headed for the recording studios of New York City. Her first release, "Down-Hearted Blues," sold more than 750,000 copies in one month. In coming years she would record with all the top jazz musicians, including Fletcher Henderson, James P. Johnson, and Louis Armstrong. 3.http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/exploring/harlem/faces/smith_text.html   . A prominent figure in the history of, Ellington's music stretched into various other genres, including , , , , and. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading his, composing an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, and world tours. Due to his inventive use of the orchestra, or, and thanks to his eloquence and extraordinary charisma, he is generally considered to have elevated the perception of jazz to an art form on a par with other traditional genres of music. His reputation increased after his death, the Board bestowing a special posthumous honor in 1999.[1] Ellington called his music "American Music" rather than, and liked to describe those who impressed him as "beyond category".[2] These included many of the musicians who were members of his orchestra, some of whom are considered among the best in jazz in their own right, but it was Ellington who melded them into one of the most well-known units in the history of jazz. He often composed specifically for the style and skills of these individuals, such as "Jeep's Blues" for, "Concerto for Cootie" for , which later became "" with 's lyrics, and "The Mooche" for and. He also recorded songs written by his bandsmen, such as 's "" and "" which brought the '' to jazz. Several members of the orchestra remained there for several decades. After 1941, he frequently collaborated with composer-arranger-pianist, whom he called his "writing and arranging companion."[3] Ellington recorded for many American record companies, and appeared in several films.


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