Jazz and Civil Rights

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

Jazz, Civil Rights and American Society will trace social conflict and social progress through the study of Jazz music. Starting with its antecedents, the Negro spirituals of the mid and late 19th Century, and the development of Blues music at the beginning of the 20th century, we will explore how the lyrics and music of Black people have expressed their desires for freedom and equality. From Duke Ellington’s "Black Brown and Beige" to Louis Armstrong’s "Black and Blue" to Billie Holiday’s "Strange Fruit" to Charles Mingus’ "Fables of Faubus" and Charlie Haden’s "Liberation Music Orchestra," the sweet syncopations and heartfelt realities of Jazz music will be explored. We will look at how the music differed in various cites and areas of the country. We will look at similarities and differences among black and white musicians. In addition to studying and analyzing the influence of Jazz on America society we will also look at its spread throughout Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, South America, Asia and Africa. In addition to class readings, we will weekly listen to music, view audio clips of live performances and hear what the musicians themselves have to say. And most importantly, we will have fun as we learn.