American Jazz and Carmen McRae

Jazz and Research
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Jazz and Research
The modern audience celebrates some American jazz musicians long after their deaths. Carmen McRae is an example artiste who enjoys this honor in her grave. She was a talented pianist and vocalist whose elegant, complex, and innovative improvisations made her a jazz idol. A review of the singer’s historical context, relationship with other artists of the time, and musical techniques sheds light on not only her works but also offers insight into overall jazz music and the political, social, and economic factors that influenced the music industry during the period. 
Contextualizing Where the Artist is Historically Situated
Born in 1920, before her demise in 1994, McRae had already become a renowned jazz vocalist. The success of other women in jazz during the singer’s lifetime also influenced her career. Before her, some other people had already succeeded as jazz composers and performers. She even quotes Billie Holiday as her idol, meaning she admired this other woman greatly. A historical time that did not bar women from engaging in commercial activities like singing for a living is attributable to McRae's entry into the music industry. In the 1920s, women drew particular recognition on the piano when they started playing instruments in jazz (Howze, n.d.). Also, another historical aspect that influenced McRae and other women’s involvement in music is the drafting of male jazz musicians for involvement in World War II (Howze, n.d.). The drafting led to the replacement of these male singers with female performers. Numerous all-female bands were sprouting in the U.S. and other western nations. 
Connection with Other Artists of the Period
The connection between McRae and other artists of her time also influenced her music and performances. For example, this singer was closely connected with Teddy Wilson, Irene Kitchings, and Billie Holiday. During her at an Apollo contest where she won, Irene Kitchings, a songwriter, gained attraction for McRae. Kitchings was also the wife of Teddy Wilson. The two became friends, leading Kitchings to introduce McRae to other talented artists of this period. For example, although she used to listen to Billie Holiday in recordings, she was able to meet her through Kitchings. McRae received a lot of inspiration from Holiday. “Dream of Life,” one of her earliest songs, was composed through the influence of Holiday, Willings, and Kitchings, with the former being the primary influence. Other artists that the singer found inspiration and support from include Art Tatum, Count Basie’s Band, Mercer Ellington’s Band, and Benny Carter’s Band. Her extended as a pianist in Chicago and interactions with other artists are attributable to her success in jazz music. 
Discussion of Social, Economic, and Political Factors Relating to McRae’s Works
A music sector of gendered colorism defined the American social reality at the time. However, the success of female jazz singers and performers like McRae in the then-male-dominated society may have been made possible by the historical socialization of singing as feminine (...