The Beginning of Revolution
During the 18th century, thousands of Africans were taken from their homes and brought to America. Sold into slavery, they faced life without rights or respect.
To cope with the rough journey to America and the cruel life of slavery, Blacks used music as an outlet to their sorrows and to reconnect to their beliefs.
Before Jazz, African American music consisted of chants and songs from rituals originally from Africa. Slaves wanted to continue their musical traditions, but did so without drums, which were banned by slave owners.