Jazz - timeless or old time?

I was reading various bits of information when I ran across news from Rapid City. The point of the article was that a group of Jazz musicians were going to perform on November 9th. But just as important was another thought.

This group has performed for 17,000 middle and high schools. Their purpose is to teach American history through music, Jazz music which is a genre that truly is American-born. But the article also mentions

“A lot of adult fans don’t understand where this music came from.” - Jim Speirs member of Dakota Jazz Collective

It got me thinking. How many people can name 3 Jazz musicians? 5?

Of course there is Miles Davis, whom I am aware many younger readers probably have never heard of. And you should if yu can.



But who else? Could it really be that most are unaware of jazz and all its forms? Like the diffence of Herbie Hancock to John Coltrane. Or are the jazz musicians so far from MTV and music videos that many today have completely missed this unique sound?

Well I figured I’d present a couple of videos and ask you. How do you think the following compare to the modern sounds of today? If this were on MTV, or VH1, or BET would you watch and listen – more importantly listen?

Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald


Dizzy Gillespie


Charlie Parker


John Coltrane


This is only a small sample of the great sounds and songs of these men and women. If this caught your interest you might just want to hear a bit more. I’m sure you will thank me for it.