SEARCH:

Biography

Dizzy Gillespie: The Life and Music of John Birks Gillespie (2 Parts)

One of the twentieth century's true musical geniuses, Dizzy Gillespie revolutionized music and was one of the originators of be-bop. His influence on jazz can not be overrated, as well as his effect on the evolution of music in the second half of the century. Born in the rural South, Dizzy Gillespie became a mainstay in the jazz clubs of New York and an American icon. Musicians today pay homage to the master trumpeter, whose innovative phrasing remains as fresh and original as it did a half century ago. Dizzy Gillespie: The Life and Music of John Birks Gillespie would be useful for classes on American History, African American History, American Culture and Music. It is appropriate for middle school and high school. Objectives: Students will learn about Dizzy Gillespie's contributions to American music. They will explore the musical form of jazz and its role in American history. They will also examine how race relations influenced American music and musicians. National History Standards: Dizzy Gillespie: The Life and Music of John Birks Gillespie fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Eras 8, 9 and 10.

Vocabulary

• Aspire
• Assimilate
• Collaboration
• Consummate
• Emulate
• Expertise
• Fusion
• Harmonic
• Improvise
• Indigent
• Innovation
• Mesmerize
• Metaphysical
• Precocious
• Prestige
• Profound
• Rapport
• Resplendent
• Vicissitude

Discussion Questions

1. Narrator Harry Smith refers to Dizzy Gillespie as "the Edison of Jazz." What did he mean by this? Why is this a compliment to Gillespie?
2. Dizzy Gillespie was born in the rural South in the 1910s. Describe this world. How did Gillespie's race affect his childhood?
3. Gillespie's family migrated north during the Great African American Migration. What was this migration? Why and when did it occur? How did affect the history of the United States?
4. Gillespie, like most other jazz musicians of his era, started his career playing swing. What was swing music? When was it popular? How did it define its era? What were its characteristics?
5. What did the city of Philadelphia offer the young musician?
6. Dizzy Gillespie's real name if John Birks Gillespie. How did he get the name Dizzy?
7. Why did Gillespie move to New York in 1937? To which area of the city did he move? What is the relevance of this area in American history and culture?
8. Charlie "Bird" Parker was a contemporary of Dizzy Gillespie. How did he influence Gillespie? How did Gillespie influence him?
9. Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie "Bird" Parker invented be-bop. What is be-bob? How is it different from earlier forms of jazz?
10. What made Gillespie's playing so unique?
11. Why did be-bop musicians need great stamina? How does this define the musical form?
12. Many musicians and music critics denounced be-bop. Why was there so much criticism of, and resistance to, the musical form?
13. Discuss the racial and class implications of be-bop music.
14. Gillespie experimented with many different musical cultures. Define how he fused the traditions of African music with Cuban music.
15. Gillespie's bent trumpet was his signature trademark. How did this come about?
16. Discuss the influence of be-bop on today's music.
17. What is the legacy of Dizzy Gillespie?

Extended Activities

1. Go to http://www.tunes.com/release/default.asp?from=&relid=114933 (Tunes.com) and listen to some of Dizzy Gillespie's recordings. Describe the music and your reaction to it.
2. Research the Great Migration and create a poster illustrating some of its major events, destinations and influences.
3. Create a mobile displaying some of the great jazz musicians of the twentieth century.