In 1939, one of the most influential music labels was launched. Blue Note Records would help to establish jazz as one of the most progressive and popular music movements of the 20th century. Featuring figures like John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Sonny Rollins this label was a major force in shaping how jazz and, by extension, modern music developed.
The wider cultural impact was massive too. Revolutionary not only in its style and sound jazz was a central pillar in the radicalising of youth and breaking down of racial segregation in America. Founded by a German immigrant and an American left-wing activist Blue Note Records was massively important to the jazz revolution and the changes that in turn brought about.
Richard Havers, author and jazz enthusiast, wrote a captivating history of Blue Note Records entitled Blue Note: Uncompromising Expression. Susan Cahill, the host of "Talking Books", spoke with Richard earlier this year about his book, the figures behind this revolutionary label, and Blue Note's lasting impact. The original discussion can be found here.
Before this though Susan looks back at her discussion on Tennessee Williams.
Born in Mississippi in 1911 Williams had a front row seat to the massive changes sweeping across America in the 20th century, as well as the fierce opposition it encountered. He began writing as the jazz revolution built up steam, publishing his first works in 1936. His true genius only began to shine through in the '40s.
The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire, appearing in '44 and '47 respectively, made Williams one of the most formidable and celebrated names in theatre. Drawing on his own troubled past and ongoing tribulations, being a gay man from Mississippi was a heavy burden in the early and mid 20th century, Williams was able to craft plays which captivated audiences with deeply real and personal stories.
The font that fed Williams's genius was poisoned though.
The same troubles and pains that drove his pen also pushed Williams towards drink and drugs. As he got older Williams increasingly turned to these substances to dull the pain, much to the detriment of his writing. Though his star continued to rise, in ’79 he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, it did little to alleviate Williams' daemons. Drink and drugs are reckoned to have played a part in his death in 1983.
Susan spoke with celebrated theatre critic John Lahr earlier this year about Williams and his account of this great playwright's life, Tennessee Williams; Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh. You can find the original interview here.
This week's music to read to:
This week's show opens with Messy Hearts' "Moon Ate the Dark". Sarah Vaughan and Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers transition between the show segments with "Send in the Clowns" and "Moanin'" respectively. The show ends with the iconic "Blue Train" by John Coltrane.
