Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Michael Faubion
Second Advisor
Dr. Sonia Hernandez
Third Advisor
Dr. Megan Birk
Abstract
I have examined jazz music in the United States during the 1950s and argue that its popularity in various demographics illustrates that despite social and racial tensions jazz unified them. By explaining this we learn that Jazz’s popularity with different groups reflects not only jazz’s ever present flexibility but how societal values and issues are shown respectively. A brief background of the U.S during the 1950s, three key definitions for the nonconformist, conformist and purist as well as a brief history of jazz during the 1950s can be found in the introduction. Chapter II through IV deals with the specific categories respectively. Jazz is difficult to define and it is my goal to provide some context, clarity and deeper understanding of this genre. I discovered that Jazz is a vehicle to help understand the social make up of our country during one of the most nostalgic decades in the country.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2013 Amanda Canales. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/u-s-jazz-1950s/docview/1459229967/se-2