19.1 Black Culture

Black Culture in a Midwestern City 1930’s-1940’s, black migrants moved to many Midwestern cities, but were kept out of white society. As in St. Louis, the black community had to develop their own institutions. Classical and Jazz music developed within the St. Louis black community, but was often ignored by whites Schools, media, churches, and labor all had to create opportunities for black children to study and appreciate classical music.

Lincoln University Lincoln University, in Missouri, became the most important institution for training of St. Louis black musicians. Many of the music school teachers had advanced degrees. The most influential teacher was Keneth Billups-arranger, composer, and founding director of the Legend Singers In his appearances, his group dressed in demeaning slave costumes.

The Black Culture Industry and American Racism It was difficult for many black artists to have their music distributed or produced. The music industry was largely controlled by large record companies, radio stations, and film studios Many white Americans appreciated black culture and music, but often tried to profit off of it. During the 30’s and 40’s, record companies began to recognize the money that could be made by marketing black culture and music.

From Swing to Bebop Black artists could be made “acceptable” if they were successfully marketed to affluent white consumers. Many of the black artists had to mask their true feelings if they wanted to earn income for their work/music. Many black artists had to refine their styles for the white dominated marketplace.

Swing The big band swing style of the 1930’s transformed white American culture. Swing emerged as white bands reduced the music of black bands to a more appealing formula, based on the 4/4 beat. These large swing bands played written out, completely arranged music. This type of music helped boost the careers of many black musicians. Many people who became tired of swing, began to improvise in clubs.

Bebop 1940’s-At least 7 musicians were responsible for creating a revolution in jazz. This new sound became known as bebop The musicians were: Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, Max Roach, and Ray Brown. Bebop featured complex harmonies and rhythms. Bebop met resistance from white Americans. Before long, bebop became the principal musical language of jazz musicians around the world.

Bebopper’s created their own slang, style, dress and demeanor. Bebop was the dominant black music style of the 1940’s. Eventually, bebop would die and be replaced with slower paced music, love songs, and melodies.

19.1 1) How did black institutions support classical music within St. Louis? 2) What did Keneth Billups do that upset many who attended his shows? 3) What role did Lincoln University play within the black music community? 4) How did white America respond to black musicians? 5) What did many record companies come to realize about black music and culture? 6) Compare and contrast Swing music to Bebop 7) Choose one the 7 musicans listed under Bebop section and briefly research their background and answer the following questions: a)How did your artists music impact American culture B) What songs is your artist best known for? C) Can we still here the impact of your artist in today’s popular music? Give an example.