The Duke
The Harlem Renaissance was an era full of life, excitement, and activity. The world in all aspects was in gradual recovery from the depression. The world of music wasexpanding, sharing it's enthusiasm throughout the world. The evolution of jazz aroused the curiosity of the nation. As Blacks received their freedom, they were able toexpress themselves as talented individuals. Certain blacks contributed immensely to the era of jazz, for example, Duke Ellington. Ellington entered a brand-new, excitingera as he grew up. As Ellington became an adolescent, the entertainment world was undergoing rapid, change. The change was driven by the deep, persuasive shift in theAmerican spirit. The country was anxious to recover what it lost during the Depression. Ellington's jazz creations were unknown and alien to the world, however, Ellingtonreceived the chance to succeed at the Cotton Club. The results of Ellington's achievements at the Cotton Club were extensive, leading him to success and to nationalfame. The reasons for his outcome need to be revealed because Ellington was one of the most important figures in the era of jazz. During the Harlem Renaissance, someof the clubs were segregated and some mixed. The Cotton Club's patr
ons were mostly whites and the club employed mostly blacks. " (Haskins, 74) Ellington did not like his music categorized and enjoyed freedom of expression when presenting his music. The next traitthat was important was his drive to succeed. In order to make his band famous, Ellington had to have a identifiable and consistent style, which he did. It's "jungle" atmosphere was perfect for the style of music Ellington was expected to play. He believed composition, arrangement, and performance wereall interdependent on one another. In any case, he was a jazz musician, whether he liked being called one or not. He wrote it to persuade, influence, entertain, disturb, amuse, and excite the people, which it certainly did. Actually Ellington disliked the term "jazz". He left the CottonClub not sure of what lay ahead, but showed that success is gradual and exists only as what you make of it. What was it in Ellington's music that people admired him for and that gave him a chance to develop his talents at the CottonClub? First of all, the change of music in general and the country's enthusiasm brought on a nationwide excitement. It was believed that this was the method Ellington preferred. To have such a name as the Cotton Club brings to mind images of the Old South. Ellingtonhad no intent to play over the radio but as the chance came, he realized it would help increase the popularity of the band. Music is not everything in amusicians career for Ellington's personality and character brought unique overtone to his tunes.
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