The History of Jazz Top Jazz Artists Culture of Jazz Instruments of Jazz Jazz Subgenres
Most famous jazz artists of all time
Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)
According to many, Louis Armstrong is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. He was most known for his amazing trumpet playing and brilliant improvisation. He revolutionized the genre throughout the years with his trumpet playing along with being a bandleader, singer, film star, and comedian. He had a large number of hits and many can recognize his voice in the famous song ‘What a Wonderful World.’ Furthermore, he broke many racial barriers from his poverty-stricken youth to his major success as a musician. Although it was very uncommon for an African-American to become a mainstream celebrity, he persevered.
Charlie Parker (1920-1955)
Charlie Parker, nicknamed "Bird" and "Yardbird”, had an influence on jazz like no other. He was at the forefront of the bebop movement and created a new way of playing with a new rhythmic vocabulary. His work inspired dancers, poets, writers, filmmakers and visual artists. Unfortunately, Parker struggled with substance abuse and addiction and died in 1955 when he was only 34 years old.
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Modern artists of the future
Shabaka Hutchings
Shabaka Hutchings is an award-winning artist from the UK and is currently one of the most prominent musicians in contemporary jazz. He alternates between saxophone and clarinet and currently leads three separate bands, each of which are beginning to shape the future of jazz.
Kamasi Washington
Kamasi Washington’s recent album, ‘The Epic’, is a first of many to reach a younger audience. This album of a much more spiritual jazz is reconnecting a lot of younger people to the heart of jazz. His work has also had an influence on other genres including Rap/hip-hop including his appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s album ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’.
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Joe Goodacre