Harlem and the Blues
The Harlem Renaissance marked the first time that mainstream publishers and critics took African American literature seriously. It was also the first time that African American literature and art attracted significant attention from the nation at large. Although it was primarily a literary movement, it was closely related to developments in African American music, art, theater and politics (Johnson 275). The movement emerged at the end of World War I in 1918, blossomed in the mid- to late 1920s, and then faded in the mid-1930s. There is a profound connection between the blues and the African-American literature and poetry that was produced during this significant time period. Much of what came out of the Harlem Renaissance can be credited to the use of blues. The blues created a social interaction between the blacks and whites, influenced some of America's greatest artists, allowed blacks to express their feelings and opened the eyes of many Americans by teaching the truth about Black heritage. In this essay, I will attempt to show the impact that the blues had on the Harlem Renaissance. The Blues evolved out of the African Americans struggle for freedom and equality. After the Civil War, Black chur
For the first time in history, young middle-class whites were coming into black neighborhoods to listen to jazz. By the time the decade ended, Smith had become the most respected black singer in America. The Harlem Renaissance refers to an artistic, cultural, and social growth of writing (Blair). Harlem was host to some of America's greatest writers, musicians, and artists. Her sharp sense of phrasing enabled her to influence virtually every female blues singer who followed (Haskin 142). By recreating the jazz scene in his poetry, Langston Hughes increased the middle-class's interest in blues. Lyrics often contained hidden sexual messages by using words or phrases with double meanings. He often took his rhythms and inspiration from jazz and blues music. For the first time African Americans were self-assertive and racially conscious (Johnson 266), as if they passed through some rite of passage. They joined on the dance floor and shared tables at the hottest jazz clubs to listen to the rhythms of a saxophone and the blues of man. Renaissance writers described the unique qualities of Black Americans and redefined their culture through blues expression. It was believed that "blues could bridge the gap between the black and white worlds if only the black artist was allowed the opportunity to hone his talents" (Nexus). The Harlem Renaissance transformed the Black American's identity and history, but it also transformed American culture in general. It was a time when black American writers were breaking the barriers and limitations that had held them back before.
Common topics in this essay:
Harlem Renaissance,
America Writing,
African American,
Nexum Harlem,
African Americans,
Bessie Smith,
Black American's,
Aaron Douglas,
Black Americans,
Hughes Renaissance's,
harlem renaissance,
african american,
langston hughes,
blues singer,
blues music,
african american literature,
blacks whites,
jazz clubs,
african americans,
black white,
black americans,
urban black life,
blues harlem renaissance,
|
Acceptance Essays
