In chapter 2 of the book, It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music by Amanda Petrusich, the author talks about certain historical events that occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, and how they had an impact on American culture. One historical event that the author mentions is the significance of Beale Street which gave a rise to African American culture in the early 20th century. In the 1860s, African Americans were forbidden from accessing white businesses that were located in Memphis. They were only allowed to enter those businesses sometimes through back entrances, but they had to wait until all of the white customers were served. As a result, African Americans turned to Beale Street where they were accepted since there were many African American businesses present. As a result, a lot of European immigrants that lived on Beale Street began to move which gave rise to African American politics as well as the civil rights movement. The civil rights became even stronger when the yellow fever hit Memphis, and caused many whites to leave the city. African Americans were not affected by the yellow fever which allowed their population to grow, and gave them a chance to spread their culture. “As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs” (Petrusich 28). This had a positive impact on American culture in general because not only did it allow black culture to flourish, it also exposed different people across the country to their culture. Eventually, their culture was blended into the American culture that we see today.
Another event that the author mentions which had a positive effect on American culture was the 1909 mayoral election in Memphis. In 1909, W. C. Handy, a bandleader, was told to create a campaign theme for a mayoral candidate, Boss Crump. Instead of creating a positive theme that supports Crump’s ideas, Handy created a song that criticizes Crump called the “Boss Crump Blues”. Crump was promising the people that he would get the Memphis police to close down prostitution and gambling houses which caused Handy to get upset. Handy felt that the mayoral candidate should concern himself with poverty which was the main issue at the time. Crump ended up winning the election anyway because of the two dollar poll tax that was put in effect. That caused many working people to not vote. As a result, white politicians gave poll tax receipts to African Americans, and told them who to vote for in exchange for some food and drinks. Even though the song failed when it came to the election, it did become an instant hit among people. The song “altered the course of American music” (Petrusich 29). It altered American music by having no verse or chorus which completely ignored the pop structure at the time. Also, the song had five instead of seven notes. And the song was performed by one person who was sick of poverty, and wanted something to be done about it.
In chapter 2, Petrusich mentions two historical events. One historical event she talks about is the nonviolent march by African Americans, “Dr. Martin Luther King led fifteen thousand people in a nonviolent march down Beale Street” (Petrusich 30). At this particular event, people were arrested, shot and injured. A week later, Dr. King was assassinated. This event was significant to American culture because it was a main step towards the minorities gaining their freedom. Dr. King became a legendary leader who is still a major figure head in modern American culture.
The 1909 election is another historical event Petrusich mentions. A song was made to campaign for the mayoral candidate Boss Crump. The goal of the song failed; however it became a popular hit, “‘Boss Crump Blues’ did not revolutionize Tennessee politics, but its popularity changed the course of American music” (Petrusich 29). The song helped shape American culture because it brought something completely different to American music. It moved music of that time to a different path and eventually, the music evolved into what we listen to today.
In chapter 2, Petrusich mentions different historical events. The two that stood out to me were Dr. King coming in, and Beale street in general. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came in to help with reconciliation after a citywide strike began. Memphis was a very biracial city, and the help of Dr. King was needed. Dr. King started a nonviolent march down Beale street, but when disgruntled teens started looting and breaking things, the march became violent. The police had to come in, and they beat people, and threw tear gas. A few days later the National Guard came in. A week later, Dr. King was assassinated. This helped shape American culture, because it helped bring this diverse country together. Blacks and whites came together, and we were on the way to becoming a more equal country.
The second event was Beale street. Beale street back in the late 1800s was a place where blacks and Jews would go to shop and hang out. They weren't allowed downtown to shop at white stores. Later Beale street became a hub for black politics when yellow fever broke out, and most of the white folks left. Now, Beale street is nothing like it was before. In the 1980s the city came in and knocked all the shops down, because they claimed it was an "eyesore". When Beale street was rebuilt, it was like any other tourist location- souvenir shops, and bars. Beale street shaped America, because it helped bring different races together. With out bringing races together this country wouldn't be what it is today.
In chapter two of It Still Moves by Amanda Petrusich, the auther refers to a few different historical events that help shape American Culture. Petrusich talks about the racial segregation that once exsisted on Beale Street. African AMericans were not allowed to shop in some of the stores that were located on Beale Street. As time passes African Americans slowly began to congregate. The African American population in Memphis, Tennessee is very large. They play a huge role in the culture that is affiliated with Beale Street. Martin Luther King Jr. passed through Beale Street on his non-violent march for freedom. This event was one of the biggest turing points in American histroy. Knowing that the marched passed through Beale Street shows a big impact in the culture.
Not only does Petrusich refer to the African American population that reflect the history of Beale Street, but also she refers to the election of the mayor. Boss Crump was running for election to be the canidate for Memphis. His main goals were to improve the city knowing that the poverty was a lot of poverty there. A song was made, howeever it was a failure. Boss Crump ended winning the election and becoming the mayor. "'Boss Crump Blues' may not have revolutionized Tennessee politics, but its popularity significanty altered the course of American music" (Petrusich 29). The structure of te song that was created was different than the other "normal" music. This music slowly changed into what more and more people listen to in the present.
In chapter 2, Memphis is known for having a lot of history take place there, especially on Beale Street. In the 1860’s there was racism towards African Americans in the shops and restaurants in downtown Memphis. On Beale Street everyone was welcome so it became a place for African Americans to go and enjoy themselves. There was a 3 day riot in 1863 in Memphis fighting for equal rights. Although many African Americans were killed and a few whites as well, there was not full equality. In these hard times African Americans played blues music on the streets down Beale singing of poverty and the hard times they were going through. These songs can be considered part of what shaped Americana music today.
A century later there was a strike fighting for the same rights in Memphis. This is when Martin Luther King Jr. led a non-violent march down Beale and ultimately ended in his assassination. The city has been through a lot of hard times, but was a big part in the Civil Rights Movement.This helped shape culture because now racism and segregation are a thing of the past and everyone loves together. However, the history remains and is a part of people's lives.
In Chapter 2, Petrusich talks about many historical events that significantly influenced American culture. One of them is segregation of African-American on Beale Street. She mentions that in 1860s African-American living in Memphis were taken away their basic human rights. It took place particularly on Beale Street where there were many white businesses. However, over time, black citizens began to congregate and shop on Beale Street, displacing Europeans out of there. In addition to that, the yellow fever epidemic killed a pig part of white population. African-American population swelled and later on the Beale became the very center of black southern culture, particularly music.
Another piece of Memphis history that Petrusich mentions is that decades earlier, Memphis was rich in cotton fields, where also West African slaves where traded. African field songs sounded in conjunction with the rhythm of work, became a part of musical vocabulary. Later, the newborn Blues still had the hints of those African rhythms.
In chapter 2 of It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music by Amanda Petrusich, Petrusich mentions some historical events throughout the chapter. One specific event is the history of Beale Street. She states "Beale Street boasts terrifically rich history". She mentions that African Americans were prohibited from many restaurants and businesses that were owned by white people. The only entrances they had for African Americans were from the side or the back and they were waited on lastly after all the white customers were served and satisfied. Soon after African Americans began shopping on Beale Street, which caused them to basically take over Beale Street and make it their own neighborhood. They pushed out all the European immigrants. Petrusich states "As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs." That last sentence from Petrusich's book shows the coming forth of music from African Americans that are still listened to by many Americans today and have helped shape the music industry of the American culture. African Americans brought many new music genres to the American culture.
Petrusich also mentions a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. down Beale Street to push the idea of every African American are human beings. The non-violent march turned into madness. "Seven blocks in, disgruntled youth began shattering windows and looting storefronts; almost immediately, Memphis police marched into the crowd wielding nightsticks, tear gas, mace, and guns. Two hundred eighty people were arrested, a sixteen-year-old boy was filled with bullets, and sixty protesters were injured." A week after that march Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed near his motel. In my opinion, the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led to the end of discrimination of African Americans and led to the end of White-Only businesses and restaurants. It united us and helped us become one nation.
In chapter two of It Still Moves, Petrusich describes many historical events that not only influenced the Memphis blues, but also the nation as a whole. One event in particular would be the civil rights movement. Decades ago, Memphis flourished with with the abuse and trade of West African slaves. Their field songs carried on throughout the years and birthed the Memphis blues. Nonetheless, Memphis was a strong biracial city blacks were still treated unequally, by which the civil rights movement erupted. A famous civil rights event was the nonviolent march Martin Luther King Jr. lead down Beale Street. African Americans had an enormous affect on Beale Street and without them the Memphis blues would, most likely, cease to exist.
Another event that I believed shaped American culture would be the 1909 mayoral campaign involving W.C. Handy and Boss Crump. Handy wrote an original composition that could have swayed voters from electing Crump; however, Crump was no fool, he had white politicians bribe black citizens into voting for him. Although Crump's song did not sway the race, it was a true Memphis blues song. The structure of his composition was different than typical music heard at that time. Therefore "Boss Crump Blues," helped start a new genre of music, which is the base of all music today.
There are many events that Petrusich talks about in Chapter 2 that shaped American culture to where it is right now. One of the most important events, in my opinion, would be Dr. Martin Luther King leading the non-violent march for freedom. In the past, Colored people had no rights or freedom in this country and Dr. King helped change that. He was assassinated before the colored got their freedom but it only happed because of him. He was the biggest and most influential in gaining human rights for everyone. I think this is one of the biggest events that happen in the history of America because it got us closer. It gave us the freedom to do anything and not looks at once color or race. This is the only reason why this country is so diverse today. The other event that she mentioned was the segregation between whites and blacks in the 1860s. African-Americans that lived in Memphis were not allowed to visit white businesses downtown or they were only allowed access through the back entrances. All the blacks slowly started shopping at Beale Street which causes Europeans to leave. Around a decade later, yellow fever killed most of Memphis’s white population while the black population was immune to this disease. “As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs” (Petrusich 28). This shaped our culture in a way that it gave a chance for black people to control a little area where they weren’t controlled by whites. It also changed our music because it gave a different tone and meaning to the way people listened to music.
One event brought up in Chapter 2 of "It Still Moves" is the Yellow Fever of 1872. This disease was carried by infected female mosquitoes. Much of the white population in Memphis, Tennessee was either killed by the disease or running scared from it. However, blacks were "genetically" immune to it, so as the white population vanished, the black population increased. This population increase allowed blacks to do as they please and eventually created their own culture. "Beale became the epicenter of southern black culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs" (Petrusich, 28). I think this is relevant toward the making of American music because as blacks were united without judgements from whites, they were able to establish their own music and lifestyle.
The second event that stood out to me the most was the campaign held in 1909 with a candidate named Boss Crump, and his comissioner W. C. Handy. Handy was supposed to write a theme for Crump's campaign, seeing that he wanted to be elected to help clean-up Memphis by "forcing Memphis police to close the houses of prostitution and dicey gambling rings that peppered Beale Street and much of downtown." (Petrusich, 28). Instead of writing a supporting, catchy theme, Handy sang something more rebellious: "'Mr. Crump won't allow no easy-riders here / Mr. Crump won't allow no easy-riders here / I don't care what Mr. Crump won't allow / I'm gonna barrelhouse anyhow / Mr. Crump can go and catch hisself some air'" (Petrusich, 28). Although this song, called "Boss Crump Blues," gave citizens a less supporting stand on the election, Boss Crump was elected through bribery and rewards. This song did not neccesarily have verses or a chorus, but it was catchy and spread like an airborne disease. This tells a lot about how American music came to be and how it travelled and evolved. This event helped embellish the Blues as it caught others attention and spread throughout.
Matt Kolenda
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 2 of the book, It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music by Amanda Petrusich, the author talks about certain historical events that occurred in Memphis, Tennessee, and how they had an impact on American culture. One historical event that the author mentions is the significance of Beale Street which gave a rise to African American culture in the early 20th century. In the 1860s, African Americans were forbidden from accessing white businesses that were located in Memphis. They were only allowed to enter those businesses sometimes through back entrances, but they had to wait until all of the white customers were served. As a result, African Americans turned to Beale Street where they were accepted since there were many African American businesses present. As a result, a lot of European immigrants that lived on Beale Street began to move which gave rise to African American politics as well as the civil rights movement. The civil rights became even stronger when the yellow fever hit Memphis, and caused many whites to leave the city. African Americans were not affected by the yellow fever which allowed their population to grow, and gave them a chance to spread their culture. “As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs” (Petrusich 28). This had a positive impact on American culture in general because not only did it allow black culture to flourish, it also exposed different people across the country to their culture. Eventually, their culture was blended into the American culture that we see today.
Another event that the author mentions which had a positive effect on American culture was the 1909 mayoral election in Memphis. In 1909, W. C. Handy, a bandleader, was told to create a campaign theme for a mayoral candidate, Boss Crump. Instead of creating a positive theme that supports Crump’s ideas, Handy created a song that criticizes Crump called the “Boss Crump Blues”. Crump was promising the people that he would get the Memphis police to close down prostitution and gambling houses which caused Handy to get upset. Handy felt that the mayoral candidate should concern himself with poverty which was the main issue at the time. Crump ended up winning the election anyway because of the two dollar poll tax that was put in effect. That caused many working people to not vote. As a result, white politicians gave poll tax receipts to African Americans, and told them who to vote for in exchange for some food and drinks. Even though the song failed when it came to the election, it did become an instant hit among people. The song “altered the course of American music” (Petrusich 29). It altered American music by having no verse or chorus which completely ignored the pop structure at the time. Also, the song had five instead of seven notes. And the song was performed by one person who was sick of poverty, and wanted something to be done about it.
MK
In chapter 2, Petrusich mentions two historical events. One historical event she talks about is the nonviolent march by African Americans, “Dr. Martin Luther King led fifteen thousand people in a nonviolent march down Beale Street” (Petrusich 30). At this particular event, people were arrested, shot and injured. A week later, Dr. King was assassinated. This event was significant to American culture because it was a main step towards the minorities gaining their freedom. Dr. King became a legendary leader who is still a major figure head in modern American culture.
ReplyDeleteThe 1909 election is another historical event Petrusich mentions. A song was made to campaign for the mayoral candidate Boss Crump. The goal of the song failed; however it became a popular hit, “‘Boss Crump Blues’ did not revolutionize Tennessee politics, but its popularity changed the course of American music” (Petrusich 29). The song helped shape American culture because it brought something completely different to American music. It moved music of that time to a different path and eventually, the music evolved into what we listen to today.
MK
(2:00-3:15 TR)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 2, Petrusich mentions different historical events. The two that stood out to me were Dr. King coming in, and Beale street in general. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., came in to help with reconciliation after a citywide strike began. Memphis was a very biracial city, and the help of Dr. King was needed. Dr. King started a nonviolent march down Beale street, but when disgruntled teens started looting and breaking things, the march became violent. The police had to come in, and they beat people, and threw tear gas. A few days later the National Guard came in. A week later, Dr. King was assassinated. This helped shape American culture, because it helped bring this diverse country together. Blacks and whites came together, and we were on the way to becoming a more equal country.
ReplyDeleteThe second event was Beale street. Beale street back in the late 1800s was a place where blacks and Jews would go to shop and hang out. They weren't allowed downtown to shop at white stores. Later Beale street became a hub for black politics when yellow fever broke out, and most of the white folks left. Now, Beale street is nothing like it was before. In the 1980s the city came in and knocked all the shops down, because they claimed it was an "eyesore". When Beale street was rebuilt, it was like any other tourist location- souvenir shops, and bars. Beale street shaped America, because it helped bring different races together. With out bringing races together this country wouldn't be what it is today.
EB
In chapter two of It Still Moves by Amanda Petrusich, the auther refers to a few different historical events that help shape American Culture. Petrusich talks about the racial segregation that once exsisted on Beale Street. African AMericans were not allowed to shop in some of the stores that were located on Beale Street. As time passes African Americans slowly began to congregate. The African American population in Memphis, Tennessee is very large. They play a huge role in the culture that is affiliated with Beale Street. Martin Luther King Jr. passed through Beale Street on his non-violent march for freedom. This event was one of the biggest turing points in American histroy. Knowing that the marched passed through Beale Street shows a big impact in the culture.
ReplyDeleteNot only does Petrusich refer to the African American population that reflect the history of Beale Street, but also she refers to the election of the mayor. Boss Crump was running for election to be the canidate for Memphis. His main goals were to improve the city knowing that the poverty was a lot of poverty there. A song was made, howeever it was a failure. Boss Crump ended winning the election and becoming the mayor. "'Boss Crump Blues' may not have revolutionized Tennessee politics, but its popularity significanty altered the course of American music" (Petrusich 29). The structure of te song that was created was different than the other "normal" music. This music slowly changed into what more and more people listen to in the present.
Melissa Halinski
In chapter 2, Memphis is known for having a lot of history take place there, especially on Beale Street. In the 1860’s there was racism towards African Americans in the shops and restaurants in downtown Memphis. On Beale Street everyone was welcome so it became a place for African Americans to go and enjoy themselves. There was a 3 day riot in 1863 in Memphis fighting for equal rights. Although many African Americans were killed and a few whites as well, there was not full equality.
ReplyDeleteIn these hard times African Americans played blues music on the streets down Beale singing of poverty and the hard times they were going through. These songs can be considered part of what shaped Americana music today.
A century later there was a strike fighting for the same rights in Memphis. This is when Martin Luther King Jr. led a non-violent march down Beale and ultimately ended in his assassination. The city has been through a lot of hard times, but was a big part in the Civil Rights Movement.This helped shape culture because now racism and segregation are a thing of the past and everyone loves together. However, the history remains and is a part of people's lives.
In Chapter 2, Petrusich talks about many historical events that significantly influenced American culture. One of them is segregation of African-American on Beale Street. She mentions that in 1860s African-American living in Memphis were taken away their basic human rights. It took place particularly on Beale Street where there were many white businesses. However, over time, black citizens began to congregate and shop on Beale Street, displacing Europeans out of there. In addition to that, the yellow fever epidemic killed a pig part of white population. African-American population swelled and later on the Beale became the very center of black southern culture, particularly music.
ReplyDeleteAnother piece of Memphis history that Petrusich mentions is that decades earlier, Memphis was rich in cotton fields, where also West African slaves where traded. African field songs sounded in conjunction with the rhythm of work, became a part of musical vocabulary. Later, the newborn Blues still had the hints of those African rhythms.
In chapter 2 of It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music by Amanda Petrusich, Petrusich mentions some historical events throughout the chapter. One specific event is the history of Beale Street. She states "Beale Street boasts terrifically rich history". She mentions that African Americans were prohibited from many restaurants and businesses that were owned by white people. The only entrances they had for African Americans were from the side or the back and they were waited on lastly after all the white customers were served and satisfied. Soon after African Americans began shopping on Beale Street, which caused them to basically take over Beale Street and make it their own neighborhood. They pushed out all the European immigrants. Petrusich states "As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs." That last sentence from Petrusich's book shows the coming forth of music from African Americans that are still listened to by many Americans today and have helped shape the music industry of the American culture. African Americans brought many new music genres to the American culture.
ReplyDeletePetrusich also mentions a march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. down Beale Street to push the idea of every African American are human beings. The non-violent march turned into madness. "Seven blocks in, disgruntled youth began shattering windows and looting storefronts; almost immediately, Memphis police marched into the crowd wielding nightsticks, tear gas, mace, and guns. Two hundred eighty people were arrested, a sixteen-year-old boy was filled with bullets, and sixty protesters were injured." A week after that march Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed near his motel. In my opinion, the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led to the end of discrimination of African Americans and led to the end of White-Only businesses and restaurants. It united us and helped us become one nation.
In chapter two of It Still Moves, Petrusich describes many historical events that not only influenced the Memphis blues, but also the nation as a whole. One event in particular would be the civil rights movement. Decades ago, Memphis flourished with with the abuse and trade of West African slaves. Their field songs carried on throughout the years and birthed the Memphis blues. Nonetheless, Memphis was a strong biracial city blacks were still treated unequally, by which the civil rights movement erupted. A famous civil rights event was the nonviolent march Martin Luther King Jr. lead down Beale Street. African Americans had an enormous affect on Beale Street and without them the Memphis blues would, most likely, cease to exist.
ReplyDeleteAnother event that I believed shaped American culture would be the 1909 mayoral campaign involving W.C. Handy and Boss Crump. Handy wrote an original composition that could have swayed voters from electing Crump; however, Crump was no fool, he had white politicians bribe black citizens into voting for him. Although Crump's song did not sway the race, it was a true Memphis blues song. The structure of his composition was different than typical music heard at that time. Therefore "Boss Crump Blues," helped start a new genre of music, which is the base of all music today.
MR
There are many events that Petrusich talks about in Chapter 2 that shaped American culture to where it is right now. One of the most important events, in my opinion, would be Dr. Martin Luther King leading the non-violent march for freedom. In the past, Colored people had no rights or freedom in this country and Dr. King helped change that. He was assassinated before the colored got their freedom but it only happed because of him. He was the biggest and most influential in gaining human rights for everyone. I think this is one of the biggest events that happen in the history of America because it got us closer. It gave us the freedom to do anything and not looks at once color or race. This is the only reason why this country is so diverse today.
ReplyDeleteThe other event that she mentioned was the segregation between whites and blacks in the 1860s. African-Americans that lived in Memphis were not allowed to visit white businesses downtown or they were only allowed access through the back entrances. All the blacks slowly started shopping at Beale Street which causes Europeans to leave. Around a decade later, yellow fever killed most of Memphis’s white population while the black population was immune to this disease. “As the twentieth century pulled in, Beale became the epicenter of black southern culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs” (Petrusich 28). This shaped our culture in a way that it gave a chance for black people to control a little area where they weren’t controlled by whites. It also changed our music because it gave a different tone and meaning to the way people listened to music.
RP
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne event brought up in Chapter 2 of "It Still Moves" is the Yellow Fever of 1872. This disease was carried by infected female mosquitoes. Much of the white population in Memphis, Tennessee was either killed by the disease or running scared from it. However, blacks were "genetically" immune to it, so as the white population vanished, the black population increased. This population increase allowed blacks to do as they please and eventually created their own culture. "Beale became the epicenter of southern black culture, with music perpetually piping from churches and nightclubs" (Petrusich, 28). I think this is relevant toward the making of American music because as blacks were united without judgements from whites, they were able to establish their own music and lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteThe second event that stood out to me the most was the campaign held in 1909 with a candidate named Boss Crump, and his comissioner W. C. Handy. Handy was supposed to write a theme for Crump's campaign, seeing that he wanted to be elected to help clean-up Memphis by "forcing
Memphis police to close the houses of prostitution and dicey gambling rings that peppered Beale Street and much of downtown." (Petrusich, 28). Instead of writing a supporting, catchy theme, Handy sang something more rebellious: "'Mr. Crump won't allow no easy-riders here / Mr. Crump won't allow no easy-riders here / I don't care what Mr. Crump won't allow / I'm gonna barrelhouse anyhow / Mr. Crump can go and catch hisself some air'" (Petrusich, 28). Although this song, called "Boss Crump Blues," gave citizens a less supporting stand on the election, Boss Crump was elected through bribery and rewards. This song did not neccesarily have verses or a chorus, but it was catchy and spread like an airborne disease. This tells a lot about how American music came to be and how it travelled and evolved. This event helped embellish the Blues as it caught others attention and spread throughout.
-AS
(Ashleigh Sala)