The Roaring Twenties have often been portrayed as a time of wealth, glamor, and social change. Technological advances, including more widespread electrification and increased use of automobiles, plus the growth of mass media such as radio and movies, drove a booming economy—though then as now the benefits were inequitably distributed. Inspired by movie stars and […]
Tag: Ma Rainey
Posted inMusic
Thirty-five moments that brought Chicago music to the world
The Year of Chicago Music has had less music in it than anybody anticipated, but we still have plenty to celebrate.
Posted inArts & Culture
See the Bronzeville church that is the real birthplace of gospel
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, one of more than 350 Open House Chicago sites this weekend, is significant musically and architecturally.
Posted inArts & Culture
Essential listening for Pride Month
From Stravinsky to Wendy Carlos, six instances where music has shaped our conception of queerness, whether we’re aware of it or not.
Posted inArts & Culture
The Amish Project, Hitch*cocktails, and seven more new stage shows to see now
A one-woman show about a terrible tragedy and an improvised thriller performed under the influence are among this week’s best bets.
Posted inBlogs
Grappling with the Paramount Records’ cabinet of wonders
A 25-pound treasure trove of early jazz and blues
Posted inMusic
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Georgia Tom Dorsey
He his biggest hit as raunchy bluesman Georgia Tom Dorsey, but today he’s known as “the father of gospel music.”
Posted inMusic
Of Paramount’s importance
Record Store Day is a good day to remember that legendary early blues-and-jazz label Paramount was a subsidiary of a furniture company.
Posted inMusic
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Tampa Red
Influential slide guitarist Tampa Red recorded 335 sides of hokum and jump blues between 1928 and ’53 but died largely forgotten in ’81
Posted inMusic
Secret History of Chicago Music: Papa Charlie Jackson
Papa Charlie Jackson was a groundbreaking blues artist recorded with legends