What Is Jazz?

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Jazz is America's classical music. In a four part ARTSEDGE lecture series, recorded live at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., Dr. Billy Taylor, noted jazz pianist, historian, and educator, shares glimpses of his extensive knowledge of jazz music from its roots in the African-American slavery experience, through the early days of ragtime, and onward through swing, bop, and progressive jazz. Dr. Taylor combines academic research with a wealth of personal knowledge of the music and shares many fascinating anecdotes about the great artists of jazz. He cautions, however, that four hours is only long enough to scratch the surface. For an in depth look at jazz history, get a copy of "Jazz Piano, A Jazz History."

 

To hear Dr. Taylor's presentations in their original order, attend a lecture. Or, if you're interested in a particular artist, genre or other aspect of the history of jazz, follow up a topic thread. You'll find out what Billy Taylor said about that subject, and you'll also find links to photos, discographies, articles and audio files at IMS and at many other sites across the web.