Why Jazz Music is Important to American Culture

Why Jazz Music is Important to American Culture

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Jazz music is an incredibly important part of American culture. There is a rich jazz history that has had a ripple effect on nearly every aspect of American life from style and social movements to the music that came after. Learning more about the importance of jazz music in America may just give you even more appreciation for the genre.

Cultural Importance

Throughout the 1920s, jazz seeped into nearly every aspect of American culture. Everything from fashion and poetry to the Civil Rights movement was touched by its influence. The style of clothing changed to make it easier to dance along to jazz tunes. Even poetry evolved as a result of jazz, with jazz poetry becoming an emerging genre in the era. These poems featured the same depth of emotion and improvisational feel of jazz music.

The women?s liberation movement was a huge cultural moment, thanks in part to the influence of jazz. As dance halls and jazz clubs spread, a growing number of women had a place to go to act as an outlet for their rebellions against traditional gender roles. They were allowed to be free with language and dress. At the same time, it gave them a chance to meet with other like-minded women, perhaps for the first time.

The Influence of Jazz on Other Artists

For many fans of jazz, New York is the best place to go. After all, musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Charlie Parker were popular attractions in the Big Apple; a tradition that continues today in many of the area?s best jazz clubs. You don?t have to look far to see the influence acts as these had on the best music from the 20th century. Everyone from the Beatles? ?Honey Pie? and ?Time? by Pink Floyd to hip-hop artists like Q-Tip, have been influenced by jazz. The genre has permeated musical culture to the point where it is nearly impossible to find someone who wasn?t influenced by jazz at some point.

If you are looking for a jazz club, New York does not disappoint. Visit Birdland, one of the oldest New York jazz clubs around, to truly experience the legacy that jazz music has left behind. With an impressive line up of amazing musical acts on an almost nightly basis, they?re one of the best jazz clubs NYC has to offer. Visit them online to learn more about their upcoming acts or to purchase your tickets today.

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