Rapp on Jazz

You can’t talk about the blues—or jazz’s emotional core—without saying the name B.B. King. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Born from the spirituals, work songs, and deep sorrow of African American life in the South, the blues gave jazz its backbone—and its soul.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Few radio shows in jazz history have done more for the music than Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Marian McPartland was born in England, but jazz was her chosen language, and America became her stage. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

The future of jazz in South Carolina is alive in the hands of our youth, and the state is investing in the next generation of great musicians. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

South Carolina has produced some exceptional jazz talent -- artists who have shaped the past and continue to define the future. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

When people think of jazz, they often think of New Orleans or New York, but South Carolina has its deep jazz roots and rising rhythm. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Pianist Keith Jarrett is renowned for his improvisational genius and his ability to blend classical and jazz elements.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jazz didn’t just grow, it took root in cities across America, each with its own sound and story. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

South Carolina has nurtured some incredible women in jazz—voices that have broken barriers, lifted spirits, and redefined the sound. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Women have shaped jazz from the very beginning—on the mic, at the piano, and behind the bandstand. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Jazz festivals in America are more than entertainment—they’re living classrooms of history, culture, and innovation. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Nina Simone, born in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina, was a multifaceted artist whose blend of jazz, blues, classical, and soul genres created a unique style all her own. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

One of the most frequent questions is how jazz musicians know when to play. The answer lies in a deep understanding of form, feel, and listening.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Blues guitarist and singer Wes Mackey was born December 12, 1942, in the Big State community near Yemassee, South Carolina. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Radio has played a pivotal role in spreading the sound of jazz across America and around the world.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

During the Jazz Age of the 1920s and ’30s, South Carolina played a key yet often overlooked role in shaping the sound and spirit of American jazz. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Gospel Music has had a profound influence on jazz. From the church pews to the bandstands, gospel has shaped jazz's emotional depth, phrasing, and spirit since its earliest days.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

There are several common song forms in jazz — the structures that shape the music we love.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Scat singing is one of jazz’s most joyful expressions. The term scat is vocal improvisation where singers use nonsense syllables instead of lyrics, turning their voice into an instrument.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

In the early 20th century, jazz’s syncopated rhythms and improvisational flair began weaving into classical composition.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

“Trading fours” is a musical conversation in which musicians—usually a soloist and a drummer—alternate four-bar phrases.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

From the White House lawn to grand state dinners, jazz has long been part of the nation’s political soundtrack.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

In 1964, jazz legend and South Carolina native Dizzy Gillespie added a new title to his resume—presidential candidate.  Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.

Little Pink Anderson was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on July 13, 1954. From infancy, he was immersed in music as the son of legendary bluesman Pink Anderson. Visit southcarolinapublicradio.org/rapponjazz for full transcripts.