Sidney becket - Research Paper Example

Bechet’s contributions to jazz music helped to define and legitimize the genre in creating recognition for the form as complex and engaging. Although different accounts dispute whether or not he could read music, he preferred not to, his ear perfect and suited for defining music to get to its soul. Bechet was born in 1897 to a family that was part of the Creole culture of New Orleans. Creole origins refer to those of Spanish or French heritage that populated the New Orleans region. Black Creole refers to those children of plantation owners and slaves that were able to gain their freedom.

According to the Black Code of 1724, children of owners and slaves were allowed to be freed and could then own land. Many of the Black Creoles owned plantations and held successful businesses, giving them a vital position in New Orleans society. From the freedoms that money allowed, came the opportunity to pursue the arts. As well, most of their children were sent to France for an education and this wealthy class tended to be more associated with their European roots than the America in which they lived.

Classical music was a part of the culture, and when combined with ragtime, European style dance music, and rich traditions of folk music, jazz was born (Kirchner 48). Thus, a great number of jazz musicians came out of New Orleans. Bechet’s musical talent was discovered when he was just a child. He bought a ten cent tin flute when he was twelve and revealed his talent on this toy instrument in such a way as to impress earn him the title “Wizard of Jazz”. He soon got a clarinet and took to disassembling the instrument and turning up randomly at the concerts of local bands and taking the stage.

He left the audiences in awe of his talent (31). After his adolescence, he traveled the United States playing his music until he was discovered by Will Marion Cook in 1919 who offered him a space in the New York