The Bump of Be-Bop
Another revolution in the developing world of jazz was the be-bop era. The be-bop era began around the 1940s lasting into the 1950s with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, the “bad boys of be-bop,” in a place called Minton’s Playhouse. This is where be-bop was born.
The late-night jam session was really just a time to form friends, “jam it up,” and try new musical techniques. The main jazz frame consisted of one drummer, an upright bass, piano, trumpet, and a saxophone. Jazz, being a popular style of music and gaining many listeners at the time, did not have many obstacles. The musicians, however, had more than a few problems.
Some people didn’t want their children to listen to jazz, because they were scared of this new musical style. The musicians, if they were Black and in the South, were forced to go through back doors and separate entrances because of segregation. When the soldiers, both White and African American, came back from World War II, they realized that America had changed.
The late-night jam session was really just a time to form friends, “jam it up,” and try new musical techniques. The main jazz frame consisted of one drummer, an upright bass, piano, trumpet, and a saxophone. Jazz, being a popular style of music and gaining many listeners at the time, did not have many obstacles. The musicians, however, had more than a few problems.
Some people didn’t want their children to listen to jazz, because they were scared of this new musical style. The musicians, if they were Black and in the South, were forced to go through back doors and separate entrances because of segregation. When the soldiers, both White and African American, came back from World War II, they realized that America had changed.
Black musicians also realized that no matter what they did, they would not be completely accepted by the mainstream. They played despite not being paid; they played despite White critics and threats; they played because people came to enjoy. They played until jazz and its humble beginnings were accepted and loved.