BMS Backstage

BMS Backstage is a new monthly series that takes our community behind the scenes and on a journey through BMS, the history, the community and by celebrating historical and contemporary aspects of music and the performing arts . Anika Rahman our new and brilliant marketing intern explores contemporary and historical subjects through the lens of the building, programming, events and our local and global community connections.

Prepare yourself as April approaches for a beautiful trifecta of cherry blossoms, rainy days, and of course, Jazz Appreciation Month.  It's the perfect time to honor and acknowledge the important contribution jazz music has made to American society and culture. Jazz is often referred to as America’s “original art form,” and for good reason. From its roots in fashion to its profound impact on modern music, jazz has become an iconic part of our musical tradition. This month, let's take a closer look at some of the legendary figures who have helped shape this beloved genre and continue to inspire us today.

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong's name is interwoven with jazz. His contributions to the genre are enormous, and he is frequently credited with shaping it into what it is today. Armstrong's career spanned five decades, during which he established himself as a pivotal figure in jazz as both a trumpeter and a vocalist. With his distinctive and original playing technique, he impacted innumerable performers and altered the sound of jazz. Armstrong's work was distinguished by his unrivaled virtuosity, passionate improvisations, and ability to pour emotion and heart into his performances. His approach was largely influenced by the cornet and trumpet artists of New Orleans. His contributions to jazz go far beyond his music, as he opened the path for subsequent generations of jazz performers and introduced the genre to mainstream audiences worldwide. Simply said, Louis Armstrong left an everlasting influence on jazz, and his legacy will continue to inspire and inform jazz players for centuries to come.

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington was a jazz music pioneer, and his legacy has left an enduring impact on the genre. Ellington, who was born in Washington, D.C. in 1899, began his career as a pianist but quickly recruited a collection of players around him to establish the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which went on to become one of the most influential bands in jazz history. The orchestra has hosted many great jazz players throughout the years, including Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Ben Webster, Harry Carney, and Jimmy Blanton. Ellington was well-known for his clever and intricate arrangements, and songs such as "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo'' became jazz standards that are still played and cherished today. Ellington's influence can be heard in the work of innumerable musicians who came after him, and his influence on American society cannot be exaggerated. His music is as vital now as it was when he initially made waves in the jazz field, and his legacy will live on for future generations.

Ella Fitzgerald

Few musicians in history have had the same impact on music as Ella Fitzgerald. Her iconic flair and vast repertoire helped to redefine the genre of jazz. At the age of seventeen, she launched her career by winning Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre. There, she met other musicians who encouraged her to compete in other talent contests. In 1935, Fitzgerald was given the opportunity to perform with the Tiny Bradshaw Band at the Harlem Opera House. There she met Chick Webb, the drummer and band leader. Webb had already hired a male lead singer, but he invited her to join the band on a trial basis. They were such a success that she was granted a permanent position in the band shortly after. From there, she went on to record around 2000 original songs, making history with her improvisational jazz style. While paying homage to many musical heroes of history, she also found unique success in co-writing her material in songs like "I Wished on the Moon”. For any fan of jazz music, it's impossible to ignore Ella Fitzgerald’s immense impact on history; an unforgettable figure with undeniable talent who forever changed how we hear the world.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday is a pivotal figure in the history of jazz music, leaving a significant impact and influencing many later artists. She was renowned for her passionate sound, which integrated elements of blues, improvisation, and infectious rhythms. Holiday first made a name for herself with hit songs like "God Bless the Child” and "Them There Eyes." This success gave her a platform to address issues plaguing African Americans at the time. Holiday was a pivotal figure in American history, not only because she was one of the few black and female figures at the time in a predominantly white and male-dominated music scene, but also because she made significant artistic contributions to later music. Her distinct sound has directly influenced hundreds of modern singer-songwriters, and her influence on the industry will be felt for the rest of time.

Charlie Parker

Charlie Parker, also known as the "Bird," was a talented jazz saxophonist and composer. With the advent of bebop, which was unique from dance or swing, he forever altered the performance and composition of jazz music. Parker's virtuoso saxophone playing and avant-garde approach to improvisation rapidly established him as a jazz icon. His legacy lives on not just via his music, but also through his influence on the jazz community. His passion for his art and experiments with complicated chord progressions and melodic lines expanded the scope of jazz music. Even long after his death, Charlie Parker's impact on jazz music and culture is felt around the world.

Nina Simone

Nina Simone is regarded as one of the most influential jazz vocalists and songwriters of all time. Simone grew up in Tyron, North Carolina, as the daughter of two amateur musicians. She began playing the piano at the age of three at her parent's church. After high school, Simone attended the Juilliard School of Performing Arts to study piano. She later applied to the Curtis School of Music in Philadelphia, but the school turned her down because of her race. Simone began playing piano in local bars to make ends meet; at several of these venues, she was also required to sing. Her polished piano abilities and sultry voice soon caught the attention of the record industry. During her career, Simone recorded several classic albums, including 'Little Girl Blue' and 'Nina Simone at Town Hall', proving the potency of her powerful lyrics. Her soulful, jazz-influenced style often delved into history and social issues in such a way that was both beautiful and thought-provoking. She highlighted traditional African American music during her performances, creating strong ties between history and present-day ideals. Nina Simone's pioneering exploration of jazz as an avenue for exploring history, themes of oppression, and identity set the stage for modern interpretations, ensuring that future generations can use music as a tool for social justice.

The month of April is a wonderful time to celebrate jazz, reflect deeply on the genre's musical giants, and appreciate the contributions they made to this musical style. These musicians have made significant contributions to the development of jazz, from Louis Armstrong's cornet playing to Duke Ellington's dynamic compositions. Let's keep their music alive by paying homage to their timeless work as we enter another month of celebrating this cherished genre.