“jazz” involves an intersection of residual “slave mentality” (that insists African Americans contribute little to world society) combined with a perpetual mode of exploitation of artistic innovations that result from African American creativity. Examining the evolution of African American music within the context of its sociocultural history makes the most salient aspects of the roots of innovative “Black” music increasingly clear. The success of “jazz” and other African American music gradually attracted the attention of people around the world. As a consequence, many Eurocentric capitalists and institutions insist upon claiming ownership and control. Racism and sexism provoke illogical responses and behavior throughout society. As a result, many people love “jazz” while refusing to acknowledge the progenitors of the music. Nonetheless, after all is said and done, the innovators of all “jazz” styles remain Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Mary Lou Williams, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman, and other African American masters.

Hide more