Postwar Portraits From Harlem To The Village And Beyond: American Made Music

Postwar America was a time of great social change and cultural evolution. The Harlem Renaissance had brought African-American culture to the forefront, and the artistic movements that sprouted from this period had a profound impact on American music. From the vibrant streets of Harlem to the bohemian atmosphere of Greenwich Village, musicians were creating a new sound that would shape the future of American music.

During this postwar era, artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday were emerging as icons of jazz and blues. Harlem, with its thriving nightlife scene, became a hotbed for musical innovation. From the spirited sounds of bebop to the soulful melodies of the blues, Harlem was the place to be for anyone passionate about music.

As the dynamics of American society changed, so did the landscape of music. The movement from uptown to downtown, from Harlem to the Village, symbolized the shift in artistic expression. Young musicians seeking creative freedom flocked to the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. It was here that postwar portraits were painted through the songs of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger.

New York City Blues: Postwar Portraits from Harlem to the Village and Beyond (American Made Music Series)

by Jon Birger(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	333 pages

FREE

Bob Dylan's arrival in Greenwich Village marked a turning point in American folk music. His socially and politically charged lyrics resonated with a generation looking for change. Dylan's songs became anthems of the civil rights movement and the anti-war protests of the 1960s. Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" captured the spirit of the era and gave a voice to those fighting for equality and justice.

The Village music scene also gave birth to the folk group, The Weavers, led by Pete Seeger. They were known for their renditions of traditional American folk songs as well as their original compositions. The Weavers' music was embraced by people from all walks of life, transcending barriers of race and class. Their songs, like "Goodnight, Irene" and "If I Had a Hammer," spoke of unity and hope.

Another prominent figure in the Village music scene was Joan Baez, whose angelic voice and poignant lyrics captivated audiences worldwide. Baez used her music as a platform to raise awareness about social and political issues, particularly the civil rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. Songs like "Diamonds and Rust" and "We Shall Overcome" showcased her ability to convey powerful emotions through her music.

While postwar portraits were being painted in the Village, other music scenes were also flourishing across America. The West Coast saw the rise of psychedelic rock with bands like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. Motown in Detroit churned out soulful hits by artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Country music continued to thrive in Nashville with the likes of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline.

The postwar period was a time of incredible artistic expression and musical diversity. It was a time when the sounds of Harlem, the Village, and beyond merged to shape the American music landscape. The impact of these postwar portraits can still be felt today, as their influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

, the postwar era marked a significant turning point in American music. From the jazz and blues of Harlem to the folk and protest songs of Greenwich Village, the music created during this time reflected the social and cultural changes unfolding in America. The postwar portraits painted through American music continue to resonate with audiences today and serve as a reminder of the power of art to inspire change.

New York City Blues: Postwar Portraits from Harlem to the Village and Beyond (American Made Music Series)

by Jon Birger(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	333 pages

FREE

A first-ever book on the subject, New York City Blues: Postwar Portraits from Harlem to the Village and Beyond offers a deep dive into the blues venues and performers in the city from the 1940s through the 1990s. Interviews in this volume bring the reader behind the scenes of the daily and performing lives of working musicians, songwriters, and producers. The interviewers capture their voices — many sadly deceased — and reveal the changes in styles, the connections between performers, and the evolution of New York blues.

New York City Blues is an oral history conveyed through the words of the performers themselves and through the photographs of Robert Schaffer, supplemented by the input of Val Wilmer, Paul Harris, and Richard Tapp. The book also features the work of award-winning author and blues scholar John Broven. Along with writing a history of New York blues for the , Broven contributes interviews with Rose Marie McCoy, “Doc” Pomus, Billy Butler, and Billy Bland. Some of the artists interviewed by Larry Simon include Paul Oscher, John Hammond Jr., Rosco Gordon, Larry Dale, Bob Gaddy, “Wild” Jimmy Spruill, and Bobby Robinson. Also featured are over 160 photographs, including those by respected photographers Anton Mikofsky, Wilmer, and Harris, that provide a vivid visual history of the music and the times from Harlem to Greenwich Village and neighboring areas.

New York City Blues delivers a strong sense of the major personalities and places such as Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, the history, and an in-depth to the rich variety, sounds, and styles that made up the often-overlooked New York City blues scene.