Sonny’s Blues

1. Sonny’s Blues History, Social Implications, and Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin

2. BIRTH OF AN ARTFORM • During the 1800’s music was an integral part of the plantation life of slaves • Plantation songs, spirituals (modern day gospel), and field “hollers”, were part of everyday life to celebrate, mourn, entertain, commemorate, or worship. • Slaves were often not allowed to speak with one another while working, so they improvised by communicating through song.

3. A Unique Combination • At the turn of the century (1900) many different cultures existed in New Orleans, including African Americans, and European immigrants from Italy, France, England, and Ireland. • Music of the plantations eventually blended with European musical tradition and instruments to create the foundation for blues, ragtime, and other forms from which Jazz evolved.

4. The Role of Jazz Music in Sonny’s Blues • Sonny’s Blues is set in Harlem, New York during the 1940-50’s • Action takes place prior to most civil rights gains in predominantly black and impoverished communities • However “old fashioned”, traditional values still persisted in black community

5. “Good Time People” • Forms of Jazz such as Bebop became increasingly popular amongst the youth of the time period. • It was the music of choice at nightclubs and dance halls dominated by a younger generation • These nightspots became notorious because of the drug use and “deviant” sexual behaviors associated with them

6. Talented and Flawed • Many prominent Jazz musicians of the time period were addicted to illegal drugs • Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, and Charlie “Bird” Parker were heroin addicts

7. Charlie “Bird” Parker • According to Sonny, “The greatest Jazz musician alive.” • Nicknamed “Yard bird” supposedly for his love of chicken. • Played the saxophone and had his first “gig” or job playing professionally by age 15 • Eventually moved from Kansas to New York where he found greater fame playing with Dizzzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, who were jazz greats.

8. Bird became known as one of the Bebop greats Bebop at the time was a new subgenre or form of Jazz, favored by the youth and incredibly popular Sonny refers to Louis Armstrong’s music as “down home crap” pg. 619 because it is old fashioned, and considered more “acceptable” by society (mainstream). “Bird” in Sonny’s Blues

9. “The idea was going around that to use heroin might make you play as great as Bird…”- Miles Davis • Bird was considered a musical genius despite his intense heroin addiction • But instead of shunning the drug, younger musicians opted to try it to enhance their abilities

10. Exit Slip Questions • Why can’t the narrator understand his brother’s love for Jazz music? What doesn’t he understand, the music or the man? • Like Bird, many celebrities today continue to struggle with different issues. Why do you think those who attain fame continue to struggle with addiction, abuse, etc? Provide a real life example.

11. Write All About It • How does “life imitate art” in Sonny’s Blues? “Bird” Parker and Sonny both struggle with life despite pursuing their passions…why do you think those who attain fame continue to struggle? Provide a real life example.