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.
