We Are Free, Now What?
Once slavery was abolished and following the Civil War, black Americans could get jobs as musician playing in European military bands. Through these experiences new musical styles were created such as, ragtime and jazz. The music was different because the reason for the music was different. The earliest recording of jazz are in the 1920's. The African American music would become an influence to music all over the world.
Source: Scott Joplin's The Entertainer on piano roll in 1902. Showing a different era in African American Music.
Source: Rare footage of African American life and music in the 1920's.
Source: Carroll Dickerson's Jazz Floor Show. 1924. Shows a different attitude of African Americans during the Jazz Age.
Directions: Answer the questions about the above document set.
What is the similarities and difference in the music during slavery and after slavery?
Look at the picture of the jazz floor show, what are the similarities and differences of this picture with the others you have seen in this lesson?
How do you think life for black Americans has changed since the ending of the slavery to the 1920's
Where do you think music will develop from here based on what you have seen?
Look at the picture of the jazz floor show, what are the similarities and differences of this picture with the others you have seen in this lesson?
How do you think life for black Americans has changed since the ending of the slavery to the 1920's
Where do you think music will develop from here based on what you have seen?