History of Jazz Music History Research Paper Essay (Research Paper Sample)

History of Jazz Music
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The History of Jazz Music
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Introduction
Louis Armstrong was arguably among the most important architects of transformation in the music industry. He almost remodeled jazz music single-handedly, making him number one in every list of great musicians of that genre.The remodeling affected rock, television, theater, and movie music. Although Armstrong’s main concentration was singing, he was so innovative that some called him a genius in music. He was a bandleader, soloist, trumpeter, comedian, and film star, all in one.In the 1920s, Armstrong’s reputation as a proficient and skilled musician grew greater as he recorded many songs.For instance, Armstrong used his outstanding singing and trumpet skills to popularize pop and jazz classics such as “What a Wonderful World” and “West End Blues.” The latter, together with “LaVie En Rose” and “Star Dust” reveal him the most.[James Lincoln Collier, Louis Armstrong: An American Genius(New York: Oxford University Press, 1983), 3.]
Although he did not invent improvisation in music, Armstrong changed the course of Western music by integrating Jazz style into it. In fact, he influenced several young musicians to adopt improvisation in their compositions.
However, Louis Armstrong did not just play a role in improving music alone. Growing in an era where the world was expecting new ideas, thoughts, and ways of doing things to come from America, he played a critical role. Also, he was a black man who fought against racial disparities and changed the way whites viewed African Americans.[Ibid 9]
Early Life