Why did bebop develop in Harlem, even though many bebop innovators were from the South and Southwest? What was unique about Harlem at that time? What musical characteristics and social backgrounds did the musicians bring from other parts of the country?
The essayist commented that bebop musicians, “by refusing to play the traditional role of smiling entertainer ... became forerunners of the civil rights struggle of the 1960s.” What does the essayist mean? Is there a political implication to an artist’s demeanor while performing? Is the essayist referring to other aspects of jazz musicians’ artistic life?
Drummer Max Roach once said, “My music tries to say how I really feel and I hope it mirrors in some way how black people feel in the United States.” How did Roach and his peers, including Charles Mingus and Sonny Rollins express the tenor of their times through music? Does their music share common musical devices? Is the music an effective means for political and emotional expression? Are there similar examples in contemporary music?