El That Jazz

The month is almost over, but did you know that it is National Jazz Appreciation Month? According to the National Day Calendar, “Throughout the month of April we celebrate the heritage and history of jazz. As a truly American art form, jazz’s soulful and rich culture dates back to the 1890s.“

It goes on to explain “The roots of jazz can be found in the blues. The exciting history of jazz takes us through the deep south along back roads and into the big cities all across the United States and then the world. The thrum of the bass and sizzle of the snare make the nightclubs dazzle just a little more against the brass and lights.

Growing out of the deep south at the turn of the 20th century and working its way up the Mississippi Delta, jazz-influenced musicians along the way. As it grew, it inspired more improvisation, and as a result, new methods formed and new styles of music, too. Music and jazz were developing and changing quickly. The impact of jazz on the country was profound.“

The “holiday” was founded by The Smithsonian Museum of American History. Jazz is one of those genres that has many offshoots. Big Band/Swing is technically a form of Jazz. Be Bop and Cool Jazz are also part of the genre. You certainly can’t leave out Latin Jazz, Free Jazz or Smooth Jazz. There are many legendary performers who will forever be linked to Jazz music.

Trumpet players include: Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown.

Piano players include: Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Count Basie and Oscar Peterson.

Saxophone players include: John Coltrane, Charlie “The Bird” Parker, Sonny Rollins, and Cannonball Adderley.

The great Jazz singers included: Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme’ and a legend who was born today in 1917 – “First Lady of Song” and “Queen of Jazz.” Ella Fitzgerald.

It is truly fitting that National Jazz Appreciation Month is also Ella’s birthday month. Let’s celebrate Ella and Jazz!

Happy Birthday, Ella!!