Josh Johanson

History 1700

Professor Welsh

Jazz by Ken Burns

I wanted to go through the rampage of Jazz, as I am in love with this art. I watched this

nineteen hour production of this music and the influence that it had on U.S. American History.

As a large critique of the art, they did a great job of bringing even the little names into this

feature. This was sliced into decade by decade per episode, and highlighted the base, sweet spot

and decline of this. I wanted to share a few of the benefits that this had done for the world as

well, specifically the U.S. as it was a shockingly large impact for the society.

The claimer of original jazz creation, was ironically not the true creator. Blues was the

precursor to this style, blues being originated from the African American culture, as did jazz. At

the turn of the 20th century, with blues and ragtime humming through the air. New Orleans

brought Buddy Bolden. He was coined as being the first to be louder, bolder and innovative. His

musical ideas began. His rhythm came to different timing for these great American influenced

tunes, and instruments would feed off of each other, voicing their individuality, whilst mixing

into a beautiful combination.

Jelly Roll Morton, a famed ragtime piano player, also brought a large influence into jazz

piano. Being from New Orleans as many of the greats, he had gained far more publicity as he

was known for being a performer and using many talents to be in the spotlight. Trying to dub

himself the originator, as the community tried to raise him up.

 The true advancer of jazz music was indeed Louis Armstrong. Influenced by a passionate

musician, namely Sidney Bichet, who even went as far as to invite a man to a duel to the death

over a practice session in which a band member accused him of striking an incorrect note. Bichet

helped spread jazz music, touring the nation, and spreading jazz into France. Freddy Keppard,

another great trumpeter, took jazz music out to Los Angeles. The original jazz recorded record

came from a group titled The Original Dixieland Jazz Band hit its release in 1917 for the

Victrola. Many had never heard jazz at that point, and sold over 250,000 records. This was a

milestone in American music. The craze expedited at that point, and we found people like Erving

Berlin start writing this style, as people wanted something great to dance to.

Louis Armstrongs forceful playing, was renowned. He was born in 1901. A result of

teen pregnancy, he was birthed the same area jazz had been. He was taken under the wing from a

man you may even call his mentor, Joe Oliver. He even ended up following him to Chicago,

where he eventually not only joined his band, but came to take over as the leader. West End

blues was one of the true significant riff came from Louis. The beauty of Louis life, is that the

American people came to love him. Not only was this love from the African American

community, but white listeners did as well in 1920s, 40 years before a forceful push was made

toward color barrier concern. Even during the end of the 50s, as jazzs focus started shifting

toward rock and roll, Louis was a raging artist, and the last jazz musician to hit no. 1 on the U.S.

charts.

Surprisingly drugs had a large influence as well on the jazz community, and New York as

a whole in the 1940s. Charlie Parker, a god amongst the jazz artists had early on become

addicted to heroine. As he had become a revered name, many artists followed suits in trying in

any way to become a fraction of comparison to Bird. Miles Davis fell into this trap, as Charlie
had him playing with him for his start. Chet Baker, John Coltrane, and even Billie Holiday, a

silver voiced jazz singer from Baltimore. Some felt the music was a disease, and associated poor

stereotype to the incredible genius behind this, as the influence of drugs and sexual implications

seemed to fill the association of the music. Where on the contrary, many like John Lewis, and

Oscar Robinson worked to strip themselves from this, and push their influence on African

American followers toward a clean and intelligent lifestyle, which was truly what the art was.

Jazz was even a great part of world war two, and was played overseas during the war by

the soldiers. Color barriers disappeared. Dave Brubeck, a masterful pianist, was saddened with

the wars end, as he realized upon the return back to the states, that his trumpeter friend would not

be able to sit with him for a meal on base. Early listeners would go to great extents to get

together, segregation not a concern as they would dance in places like the Savoy in New York

city. Local authorities would continually break this up, but was a beautiful unison of the people

behind this.

I think overall this documentary was done beautifully, as Ken Burns always does. If one

critique at all, I feel that I wouldve liked to see the Caucasian influence in musicians used.

Many of the greats were mentioned briefly, and I can certainly understand why it would be such

a nod toward one race, as they were the originators of this. But I think it would have been

interesting to see this, as I know in other reading I have done, how good of friends some of the

greats, white and black became. It was hard, as many of these artists had to be segregated until

the end of the 1940s. But regardless, they were still able to capture so many great stories, and

how the American people would react to each part, changing clothing, attitude, and even the

defense of the great country. Showing individuals how to think outside of the box, and add flavor
to dull parts of our day today. Individuals can be heard through whatever problems, blocks and

stigmas may exist.

 Josh Johanson

History 1700

Professor Welsh

Rick Mondays Bicentennial Play by David Davis

A current topic with raging concern is that of the national anthem, and other thigs that

symbolize the rights and nation as a whole. One of these is the flag which we fly, and revere.

This reminded me of one of my favorite patriot acts, displayed in non other an area than a

baseball stadium, Americas favorite pastime.

This briefly runs over the story of Rick Monday, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early on in the Dodgers season, they were playing another run of the mill game. It was during

the springtime, and an afternoon game, if nothing else, not a special or significant game to say

the least. I dont think there was anything that would suggest this either. All of a sudden, just

over half way through the contest, an adult male and his child hopped down onto the field,

scurried to center field, and upon their knees, began soaking the an American flag in fuel, and

starting trying to ignite the tapestry. As everyones hearts and jaws dropped in unbelief, suddenly

came a man, not from the heavens, but rather center field, swooping in to grasp the ensign and

safely place it in the hands of someone who would protect it.

The beauty of the story is there was no specific intuition, but Monday didnt know the

impact this would have. He was a former member of the marine corps, and not even a star player

for L.A. at the time. This article did a great job of giving the back story to the kind of man that

Rick Monday was, and why he was guided, nay inspired to act so quickly to show our country

the importance the beacon that we fly has on all that are blessed by its stars and stipes.
 Josh Johanson

History 1700

Professor Welsh

The Watergate Scandal of 1972

I was very interested in reading a summary of the Watergate scandal. This is a frequently

referenced part of our American past, as this brought an end to the service of President Nixon, of

which I had known. What I was searching for was a better explanation as to the what had

happened there, as only know there was some shady business.

The article did a great job. I hadnt known that first off Watergate was a hotel. There

were men assigned essentially to go into this hotel where there was a great deal of information

from the Democratic party. This was their headquarters, and they were not only looking to steal

information from here about plans to help with his re-election. The men were also asked to bug

the location in order to obtain information and staying up to date on their discussions.

Information that was to be destroyed had links to the Central Intelligence Agency, as well as

Cuban guerilla warfare.

With such intense issues and shady doings, there seemed to be a surefire impeachment

underway. That being said, the President then resigned in August of 1974. It was certainly was

written well and even tried to make a connection with todays issues. Though I dont know if I

trust most of the connections now as accusations seem to be more on both ends of the media, as

opposed to legal investigations unearthing information. Certainly nice to be better informed on

this.
 Josh Johanson

History 1700

Professor Welsh

Battle for Peoples Park 1969 by Janine Wiedel

Freedom of speech is another frequented concern of todays society. In my opinion, its a

bit on overdrive. I love the ability to express opinion and feeling, but am typically a bit reserved

to do so, where others arent. In my mind America has made great strides against injustices, but

certainly there is always room for improvement and wrong being done in some regard. So I did a

bit of reading on what Berkeley takes its pride on, being part known for their free speech and

thinking.

During June of 1969, a group of largely frustrated students were inspired by Free Speech,

deciding to occupy a park owned on the campus of the college. This was for anti-authority as

well as festering anger toward the goings on of the Vietnam war. The park was more a piece of

land, as it had been purchased a few years prior to be used by the college for dorms.

Many began living here, growing food to show a power play. There was specifically a

day titled a Bloody Thursday. 6,000 protesters had shown up, to be driven off with both

shotguns and tear gas. 1 individual was shot this day, while roughly 150 were hospitalized. The

conduct was a sad thing to see as the two sides pressed against eachother.

It is difficult to say how I feel in these regards. I know this article was good information

to understand similar types of protest that happens today. I feel that never do we hear great

changes come about with such animosity, but that is just my opinion on the matter.
 Josh Johanson

History 1700

Professor Welsh

The Patriot

Professor, I have to say I am pleased with your recommendation for watching the Patriot.

This film did a great job of placing the emotion and understanding behind the movement of

freedom. I think that all roles were well acted, especially that of Colonel Tavington. I know this

role was of a historical fictionized character, but holy smokes. A bad guy is supposed to be

hated, and this guy dominates his role.

I feel that most of those in the surrounding time would have been reluctant to take up

arms. One of my favorite lines was that of Mel Gibsons Benjamin Martin. I am paraphrasing as

I quote this, but it is to the effect of the war not being won in the fields, but rather among the

people. The feats of the United States militia accomplished were that truly of a miracle. I think it

does go to do some excellent foreshadowing. Continual adjustments have had to be made in this

country, and will be as well.

The losses and sacrifices made of the American people for the freedom to come about,

despite the stubbornness (to put it kindly) of the British, is beyond noble and inspiring. I would

recommend this film to anyone, and am so glad this was recommended. I hope that this is never

something I would have to defend, but would be willing. But I do guarantee, you would never

find me burning the church!