Jazz is such a unique and distinguished genre of music that delights the ear of every person who listens to it. Found in New Orleans, it grew in fame all around the world and will always be popular. Why New Orleans? The founding of jazz and what impacted it is astonishing.
The 19th century was a century that united different ethnic groups such as German, French, Irish, Spanish, African and Italian together, these ethnicities had one main thing in common – the same taste in music. How did Jazz develop and what were the main causes of it being found in New Orleans? New Orleans was founded in the year of 1718. We know that the in 1763 the Louisiana territory was taken away from us by Spain, but in 1803 it became French followed by the United State buying the territory from France during the Louisiana Purchase the same year. The culture of the colony was made richer by Europe and Africa. Many of the Africans that arrived, brought other cultural traditions like the West Indian traditions. People of New Orleans had a different view of life. They loved to enjoy good food, as well as, wine, loved music and danced most of the time. Whether enslaved or not, half of the city’s population were Africans, who brought music genres like blues, rural dances, and spirituals to the music of New Orleans. With ethnic diversity increasing in the 19th century, the flow of immigrants increased year by year with people from Spain, Germany, Italy and many other countries. As a result, an enriched culture with multiple ethnicities that significantly changed the culture. There was a well-known community known as the Creole of color, which included all mixed races making them all equal. All of the ethnic groups were considered to be very well-educated, and the musicians were famous for their outstanding skills and discipline.
The colony was and to this day is best known for its stunning music. The biggest impact on the style, particularly jazz music was the African drumming and dancing traditions. In the 1880s brass marching bands gained popularity, which spread across America briefly. Cakewalks and minstrel tunes also gained much popularity with the influence of traditions, which came from the African-Americans. By the 1890s, ragtime became a major music sensation, in addition, brass bands accompanied such compositions and music was obtaining new repertoire. Brass bands like Onward as well as Excelsior were bands that had musicians that were well-trained. They would play during dances, concerts and parades.
Jazz was founded on Africa-American traditions, but became popular throughout New Orleans thanks to the mixed ethnic groups and races. There were many bands including many races. Laine’s band, famous from 1890 up to 1913, was one of these bands that impacted the beginning of the white jazzman generation. A mutual relationship was obtained between New Orleans brass bands, mutual aid as well as benevolent societies (Jazz Origins in New Orleans). For African-Americans, such societies played an important and integral role in their daily life. These societies helped the sick and provided care for the needy, which was fundamental for the blacks since they were prohibited from receive services providing health care. As mentioned earlier, brass bands played during festivals, concerts, parades, funerals and many other occasions. The blacks incorporated their own traditions like during funerals they would have dance processions.
Since most events that took place in New Orleans would be supported by music, musicians were in luck at that time period as they were offered to play at countless events, not only parades and holidays, but at different store openings, parties, weddings, and many other events. Many new artists arose, one of the most famous since 1920 and to this day is Louis Armstrong, which taught us all to play jazz thanks to his improvisations and great talent (Marsalis).
African-American organizations for neighborhoods, such as pleasure clubs and social aid provided service for the community and held different parades to express pride (Jazz Origins in New Orleans). These parades gave many opportunities for young musicians to gain more skills and make their way into the music industry. “The decade marked the beginning of independent (or indie) record companies” (Tyle). In the 20th century, many jazz musicians, bands, and orchestras moved out of New Orleans. In 1912, the Original Creole Orchestra moved to Los Angeles (Jazz Origins in New Orleans).
New Orleans is a city to cherish for its amazing jazz history. It brought so much to the following generations and will always be admired and highly valued. All cultures, ethnicities and traditions that led to the founding of jazz should be remembered and appreciated.
Works cited
“Jazz Origins in New Orleans.” National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 08 July 2016.
Marsalis, Wynton. “Louis Armstrong Is Born: The Jazz Original.” History of Jazz | Black History in America | Scholastic.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2016.
Tyle, Chris. “Jazz History: The Standards (1920s).” Jazz History: The Standards (1920s). N.p., n.d. Web. 08 July 2016.
