An Intepretation of the Written Word
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Men and women returning home from World War I took the nation by storm and set the tone for artistic expression. The sight of Lt. James Reese Europe and the Harlem Hell�ghters Band in full military dress, marching down the streets of Harlem, ignited a spirit in the city like never before. The musicians led a parade of proud soldiers returning home as heroes. The lieutenant had returned home somewhat of an ironic hero. With his band, he had successfully introduced Ragtime to Europe and in doing so, introduced the sound to American Whites. Starting as a regimental band for the 369th Infantry, the �rst American unit to arrive in France, Lt. Europe and his band quickly gained a reputation for sounds that stirred listeners to dance. The nickname Harlem Hell�ghters Band was one bestowed on the men to honor their �ghting abilities and sound. This man is credited for the exposure of Black music was given in American society. Eubie Blake is quoted as saying: People don't realize yet today what we lost when we lost Jim Europe. He was the savior of Negro musicians … in a class with Booker T. Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. Quite a tribute for a man time has often forgotten.
On the music scene new genres known as jazz and the blues were introduced into the clubs, both Black and White, of New York. Unlike the modern music that is often called jazz - Kenny G, for example - jazz is noted for its improvisation: a style that allows for individual expression by the musicians during solos within the context of the overall performance. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Josephine Baker are names associated with jazz from this period. Blues encompassed elements of jazz but, just like its name implies, dealt with the struggles of life. Within the oftentimes sad lyrics and distinct chords of a song there is frequently a sexual overtone or the tale of a relationship gone bad. Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and later Big Mamma Thornton and Billy Holiday are a few of the prominent females associated with singing the blues.
Music has actually had a tremendous impact on Blacks since the �rst men and women from Africa came to American shores. Slaves used music to communicate with other slaves, lift their spirits, and provide instruction. Likewise the melodic rhythms of hymns within the traditional Black church were intended to provide hope in troubled times and comfort to troubled souls. During the Harlem Renaissance, music was composed and performed as a creative outlet for urban communities that had their souls ripped from them by laws and policies that limited opportunities. The Civil Rights Movement tapped into the hymns of the past to empower the people with songs of hope, unity, and to encourage people to stand boldly against injustice and oppression. Many of the songs were changed ever so slightly to re�ect the challenge and unite the people. For example, a song like I Shall Not Be Moved was adapted to We Shall Not Be Moved to inspire the collective/group to face a challenge together - not the individual to face the challenge alone.
Thirty or so years ago, a different style of music bellowed through the African-American community: hip-hop. Whether intentionally or not, hip-hop was infused with marketing and impacted not only the Black community, but American society in an unprecedented way. Hip hop in�uences everything from music, fashion, to movies. The English language goes through frequent changes every time rappers come up with new phrases and slang terms. And there is a logical reason why hip-hop is in�uential on society. Simply stated, it's because rappers have to say more than singers (Case).
Many would argue that the lyrics have been detrimental to the development of youth whose reality is in�uenced by language that describes the conditions of the community, women, and sex in less than favorable terms. While this is obviously an over-simpli�cation of hip-hop, it points to a profound issue, one that is as deeply rooted in African- American history and the history of music in general. In 1974, Quincy Jones asked a question that is at the heart
this recent genre of music - "What good is a song, if it can't inspire? If it has no message to bring? If a song can not lift you higher, then it's not good enough to sing."
To listen to this song, click on this link: What Good is a Song? I suggest you read the words �rst, then re�ect on the meaning and think about if there is a message to all musicians.
What good is a song What good are the lyrics if they can t soothe you
Or ease a troubled mind What good is the beat if it can t move you
It would be a waste of time What good is the music if it can t feed you
If it has no depth or height What good is a rhyme if it can t relieve you
Of some problem in your life What good is a song if it can t inspire
If it has no message to bring If a song cannot send you higher
Then it s not good enough to sing You can hum a little song when you re hurt
Then feel some reason for some laughter Or whistle a melody while you work
It will make you day go faster Songs have been known to lift up spirits
Songs have been known to touch the soul But when nobody needs to hear it
Then it s not worth the title it holds What good is a song if it can t inspire
If it has no message to bring If a song cannot send you higher
Then it s not good enough to sing
Listen to this recording of Donny Hathaway performing To Be Young Gifted And Black. You may have listened to this before with Nina Simone, the writer of the song, performing it. Again, I challenge you to listen carefully to the message in the context of a Black musical artist. Does it say anything different to you than before? The beauty of music is that it speaks to the soul on many different levels.
To be young, gifted and black,
Oh what a lovely precious dream To be young, gifted and black,
Open your heart to what I mean In the whole world you know There's a billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and black, And that's a fact!
You are young, gifted and black We must begin to tell our young There's a world waiting for you
Yours is the quest that's just begun When you feel really low Yeah, there's a great truth you should know
When you're young, gifted and black Your soul's intact
Young, gifted and black How I long to know the truth
There are times when I look back And I am haunted by my youth Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say To be young, gifted and black
Is where it's at
[Case, H. (n.d.). The Social Impact of Hip Hop In America. Retrieved August 20, 2010, from My Hellum: http://www.helium.com/items/1619849-hip-hop-impact-of-us-history]