AFR 185/SOC 214: Prof. Bruno's Classes: Music

The article discusses the origins musician Duke Ellington's reputation as an African American cultural hero. Particular focus is given to the socio-historical context of his reception among African American audiences. According to the author, Ellington's reputation stemmed from his use of the call-and-response performance tradition to allow listeners and dancers to participate in the creation of his music and from his ability to reflect African American experiences in his music.

he article focuses on past and present events related to African American women musicians. Singer Beyoncé Knowles will deliver a highly anticipated Super Bowl performance on February 3, 2013. On February 5, 1979, The Pointer Sisters sang a Bruce Springsteen song written as a tribute to Elvis Presley. Singer Whitney Houston's song "I Will Always Love You" enters its eleventh week at the top of the Billboard ratings on February 7, 1993.

The article focuses on Don Cornelius, the creator and host of the popular dance show "Soul Train" who passed away on February 1, 2012. His background as an announcer, disc jockey, journalist, and producer is explored, and his idea of creating a television show focusing on African American music (particularly Soul music) and dancing is discussed. The article also explores the commercial and cultural success of "Soul Train" and analyzes the impact it had both on African American and mainstream culture. Reactions to Cornelius' death from celebrities including singer Aretha Franklin, activist Reverend Al Sharpton, and entertainer and producer Nick Cannon are also presented along with a list of notable artists who appeared on the show.

The article explores the history of African Americans and the careers of African American professional boxer John "Jack" Arthur Johnson and songwriter Scott Joplin. Emphasis is given to a boxing match between Johnson and retired white heavyweight champion James Jackson Jeffries. The article discusses Joplin's opera "Treemonisha" and compositions such as "Maple Leaf Rag" and "The Strenuous Life." Other topics include the history of ragtime music, race riots, racial aspects of professional sports, and black leaders such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois.

This research posed several questions in order to understand the identity development of African American teens. Research questions were: (1) How do African American girls define and describe their own identity? (2) How do African American boys define and describe their own identity? (3)What images do African American girls extract from rap music lyrics and videos? (4)What images do young African American boys extract from rap music lyrics and videos? (5) Is there a relationship between African American teens' self perceptions and their perceptions of hip hop culture? A total of 26 African American teens (10 males and 16 females, ages 14-17) were divided into three focus groups. Results indicate that a relationship exists between African American teens' self perceptions and their perceptions of hip hop culture. The teens, however, perceive clear distinctions between themselves and the images and messages in hip hop. In fact, overall they seem to have pretty high self esteem, describing themselves as outspoken, outgoing, nice, pretty, athletic, smart, respectful and fun. On the other hand, they perceive rap music as having "some" negative lyrics, and rap music videos to have "several" negative images. Nevertheless, the teen participants note that they listen to music, hip hop in particular, all throughout the day, several hours a day, even when doing homework. In short, it is hard to see where hip hop ends and they begin, as the two are so tightly intertwined.

An interview with African American musician Esperanza Spalding is presented. She discusses her approach to the jazz genre, her musical education in Portland, Oregon, and her acceptance to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She also reflects upon her experience as an instructor at Berklee, working with jazz artist Pat Metheny, and cultivating her musical talent.