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Many Jazz writers have pointed out that the non-Jazz elements from which Jazz was formed, the Blues, Ragtime, Brass Band Music, Hymns and Spirituals, Minstrel music and work songs were ubiquitous in the United States and known in dozens of cities. Why then, they reason, should New Orleans be singled out as the sole birthplace of Jazz? These writers are overlooking one important factor that existed only in New Orleans, namely, the black Creole subculture.
The Creoles were free, French and Spanish speaking Blacks, originally from the West Indies, who lived first under Spanish then French rule in the Louisiana Territory. They became Americans as a result of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and Louisiana statehood in 1812. The Creoles rose to the highest levels of New Orleans society during the 19th century. They lived in the French section of the city east of Canal Street and became prominent in the economic and cultural life of the section.
The Creole musicians, many of whom were Conservatory trained in Paris, played at the Opera House and in chamber ensembles. Some led the best society bands in New Orleans. They prided themselves on their formal knowledge of European music, precise technique and soft delicate tone and had all of the social and cultural values that characterize the upper class.
The one thing these all had in common? American culture developed them into their modern forms, but they all had their history elsewhere in the world
Phill
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Jazz is American Buddy. And it's not even close. Of course it has influences that originated elsewhere. Name something on Earth that doesn't.
Poker, in its popular forms, is American. No one asked if they played cards in Persia with a 25 card deck once. Poker, you know, 52 cards, betting rounds, draw, Hold-em, Omaha, Stud, is American.
Should there be a national anthem at the world series of poker? Who cares!