Jazz/Civil Rights/Amer Society

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

Jazz and Human Rights 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 through lyrics and music, the African American people have expressed their desires for freedom and equality. From Duke Ellington’s Black Brown and Beige 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 as music of freedom will be explored. We will look at how the music differed in various cities and areas of the country. We will look at similarities and differences among jazz musicians, black and white musicians. 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.