Author: Jazz90.1

Here at Jazz90.1, we love to play classic big band music. From Dorsey to Ellington, Basie to Goodman, we think that it’s important to pay tribute to big band leaders of the past. One of the most commonly recognized big band leaders is Glenn Miller. This week, we look at Miller’s music, his story, and…

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Ragtime music is truly African-American music. It combines rhythms that were brought to this country by slaves, with musical forms brought over to the United States from Europe. Ragtime uses syncopated rhythms — that is, the accents in the melody are shifted away from the strong beats in the bass line underneath. History of Ragtime…

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Content provided by The National Museum of American History. Following are a series of activities that explore Benny Carter’s musicianship in greater depth. You will need a paper and pencil to complete these activities. Story 1 Before Benny Carter, jazz saxophone players tended to play their instruments with a harsh, disconnected attack. In jazz music,…

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This week, we celebrate the music, life and legacy of John Coltrane – born September 23, 1926. John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes and was at the forefront of free jazz. He…

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Content provided by The National Museum of American History. Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 4, 1901. He was raised by his mother Mayann in a neighborhood so dangerous it was called “The Battlefield.” He only had a fifth-grade education, dropping out of school early to go to work. … In 1922, King…

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Content provided by The National Museum of American History. In the 1930s, amateur contests were among the most popular attractions at theaters in Ella Fitzgerald’s neighborhood of Harlem, NY. At age 16, Ella Fitzgerald and two of her girlfriends wanted to get onstage. They made a bet and drew straws to see which one of them…

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Content provided by The National Museum of American History. Activity: Story 1 Duke Ellington, the ComposerDaybreak Express is one of Duke Ellington’s most original compositions. It provides a vivid picture of a train speeding down the railroad tracks, with its sounds and bouncing rhythms heard and felt in the music. Duke Ellington loved trains, and he…

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Lesson For This Week: “Groovin’ to Jazz Activity: Check out some great audio recordings this week, provided by The National Museum of American History. First, read the caption to the piece of audio, then have fun listening to these great tunes! WE BE DOINIT BY QUINCY JONES WITH TAKE SIX, BOBBY MCFERRIN, ELLA FITZGERALD, SARAH VAUGHAN,…

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This week, we are going to dig a bit deeper into the history of jazz, and how America’s original true art form came to be. Below, you’ll find fun information, videos about the history of jazz, and activities that you can do at home. Lesson For This Week: The History of Jazz Jazz facts for…

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Is your student new to jazz? Are they currently participating in jazz music in school? Check out these great Children’s books about jazz, with a focus on the multicultural aspects of jazz. CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST Here’s Something to Watch! Sure, some of you may not be old enough to remember Mister Rogers (or…

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As part of Jazz90.1 Kidz Zone, many of our DJ’s will be reading you fun stories about jazz! Check back often, and you never know which of your favorite DJ’s may read a special story just for you! Jazz90.1 Station Manager and afternoon host Rob Linton reads, “If I Only Had a Horn – Young…

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