Fundamentally, Modern American music features a unique expression of self and community that was brought to America from Africa. It was molded by the oppression of slavery, and then amplified in the language, tones, and instruments brought to America from Europe. Such a profound blending of diverse cultures, European and African, created something new, the Modern American and American music.

This is the story of the emergence of jazz and modern music from Spirituals, Blues, and Ragtime, to Swing, Gospel, Boogie Woogie, Rock and Roll, and Hip Hop.

The story features samples from the following recordings:

Freddie Keppard - Stock Yard Strut

Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin

Good Morning Blues - Barbara Dane

I Found a New Baby - Sidney Bechet, Wild Bill Davidson

Levee Camp Holler - Mississippi State Prison

Moses - John Davis and Group

Dark Was the Night - Blind Willie Johnson

River of Jordan - Fisk University Jubilee Singers

Copenhagen - Benson Orchestra of Chicago

Melancholy Blues - Louis Armstrong

Singin' the Blues - Bix Beiderbeck

Brother Can You Spare a Dime - Bing Crosby

Willow Weep For Me - Paul Whiteman

Don't Be That Way - Benny Goodman

What a Little Moonlight Can Do - Billie Holiday

Strange Things Happen Everyday - Sister Rosette Tharp

Roll 'em Pete - Big Joe Turner

Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston and the Rhythm Kings

Dizzy Atmosphere - Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker

Roxanne - Arizona Cervas

I appreciate the assistance provided by Dwayne Ramsey, Richard Hadlock, and Linda Ryan in preparing this episode.

Comments may be sent to duane@soundoutofspace.com.