The early 1900s were a time of division in the United States of America, but in a large city in the south, something wonderful, spiritual and alive was being created out of two things that many people would shy away from mixing together; European horns and African drums. In times of turmoil and sadness, many people in New Orleans played music to keep their spirits alive. This is where jazz music originated. Starting as African drums, European horns and VooDoo rhythms, a sound like none other was created.
Jazz music was created to celebrate life and bring people together. The feeling was so celebratory that New Orleans even changed the way that people mourned the loss of their loved ones by allowing jazz music to accompany families as they walked down the streets with caskets. The purpose was to celebrate the life that was lived, instead of mourning the life that was lost. Many used the rhythmic songs and beats to just walk around and dance, and those watching did not judge, or wonder why someone was in the street celebrating life, they instead joined them.
Many say jazz music was officially born in 1917, when Nick LaRocca and The Dixieland Band recorded their song “Livery Stable Blues”. This was the first tangible record ever officially recorded for the music genre. Others will argue that Jazz music was born way before that, when many unknown musicians sat around and played together, but the truth is that we may never know.
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There is no true timeline in terms of the birth of jazz because it is not an invention, and it is not something that has always stayed consistent over the years. It is alive, it grows and changes with time. Like many other great things New Orleans has to offer, you can think of jazz music like their famous gumbo, no one makes it better than they do.
Originally published at sonhandoestwick.net on August 14, 2018.
