Risk (1945-1955) -
jazz

Jazz becomes the official symbol of American democracy abroad. At home, the music splinters into different camps: white and black, cool and hot, East and West, traditional and modern. Television supplants radio, but offers fewer opportunities for jazz to be heard. Most big bands are forced to dismantle. The rhythm and blues phenomenon further erodes the audience for jazz. Charlie Parker dies of pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver at age 34; Dizzy Gillespie carries on the innovations of bebop as a teacher and leader, forms a big band and blends modern jazz with Latin rhythms. Inspired by the emergent civil rights movement, promoter Norman Granz holds racially integrated jazz concerts; Louis Armstrong challenges the color barrier by touring in the South with an integrated band. Viewers meet Bud Powell, Erroll Garner and Thelonious Monk, who finally attains recognition for his unique approach and sound. Some California-based musicians create a quieter sound that comes to be known as "cool" jazz; these include baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and piano player Dave Brubeck, whose quartet becomes the most popular jazz group in America. A young trumpeter from East St. Louis, Miles Davis, makes a set of recordings with innovative composer Gil Evans and becomes the most influential musician of his generation.

Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes and 47 seconds

Episode Number: 108

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About Jazz:

Jazz is born in the unique musical and social cauldron of New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century, emerging from several forms of music, including ragtime, marching bands, work songs, spirituals, European classical music, funeral parade music and, above all, the blues.

Musicians who advance early jazz in New Orleans include Creole pianist and composer Jelly Roll Morton, cornetist Buddy Bolden and clarinet prodigy Sidney Bechet.

Composer W.C.

Handy codifies the blues through his popular compositions.

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band makes the first jazz recordings.

Their enormous popularity spreads the sounds of jazz across the country and, eventually, the world.

At the end of the episode, viewers meet an 11-year-old New Orleans boy, Louis Armstrong, who will emerge from the city's toughest streets to become jazz music's greatest star and transform American music.