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Africans brought to America.
Africans were first brought to America as slaves. The culture and the music that they brought along with them was blended into different cultures to make jazz. Slaves also sang and some even communicated with their owners by songs. -
Immigrants come to America.
Immigrants come to America to find a better life. The European culture is mixed with the African and the American, which makes jazz blended with even more styles. -
New Orleans
Some people who immigrated to America moved to New Orleans. There was so much different blends of culture, that marching bands, blues, and ragtime was formed in that place and time. All those elements formed JAZZ! -
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and a band leader. Mr. Ellington wrote over 1000 songs before he died! He was a gifted pianist, and was inspired to become a great musician from famous pianists. Ellington started writing music in middle school, and he even dropped out of high school to go on with his musical career. Duke joined a band called the "Washingtoneers", became bigger under Duke's leadership. Over time, his hit single "It don't mean a thing" became very popular. -
Louis Armstrong
Despite Louis Armstrong's controversial social life, he was an amazing musician. He grew up in New Orleans in a juvenile school for boys. His interest in music was sparked here, and he went on to play with Joe "King" Oliver, one of the first jazz musicians. In his later years, he played with bands such as the Allstars and the Hot Five. Some of his songs are still popular today, like What a Wonderful World and La Vie En Rose. -
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was one of the best trumpeters of all time. He was raised in St. Louis where he became a child prodigy. Like other famous musicians, he went on to play in many different bands. Some of his most famous albums are The Birth of Cool, Round Midnight, and You're Under Arrest. He went on to win nine Grammy awards and died in 1991. -
KJAZZ
KKJZ or KJazz was formed. KJAZZ is a popular radio station that is located in Long Beach, CA. The station was first called KLON because it formerly from Portland, OR. It is now a non-profitable station, and the most popular jazz station.
