Jazz, Blues & Politics

Song lyrics are most often written to convey such things as romance, uplifting humor, lost loves, and when set to music, they put us in the mood to dance, laugh, cry, or make love. Unlike overt protest songs, behind the beauty of some of these poems set to music, are veiled meanings and messages reflecting the political or racial climate nationwide or in the society in which the lyricist is affected. This class will explore some of the covert meanings of lyrics we’ve all come to love but perhaps never knew what they really meant. From W.C. Handy and Memphis Blues, to Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” to Bob Dylan and beyond, music has been used to effect social change. Recordings, video, and live performances from the instructors will be used to illuminate oft hidden aspects of American history, through music. Daryl Davis, Musician, Vocalist, Author and Actor Seth Kibel, Musician, Composer Monday 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Oct 6