Astounding Women of Jazz, Blues and Swing: 1920-1960

Female musicians matched and often surpassed the accomplishments of their male peers, fundamentally transforming popular entertainment while struggling against discrimination, ridicule and exploitation. This course celebrates the creativity of brilliant pioneers, classic blues singers, virtuoso instrumentalists and innovative arrangers and composers. While predominantly male jazz historians have underrated the contributions of women, it’s increasingly evident they were essential in shaping early jazz, blues, and swing genres. We also celebrate the all-female orchestras of WWII, only recently honored for a legacy of entertaining soldiers and civilians at home and abroad. The life and times of these independent artists are vividly illuminated with rare film clips and short soundie films. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.