Women in Music Final Exam

What are work songs and field cries?

Monophonic songs likely originally improvised, with flexible pitch and rhythm, sung by slaves and later field workers.

What is a characteristic feature of work songs?

They often have a strong sense of pulse and flexible pitch including sliding notes

What is the significance of call and response in work songs?

Call and response is often used to create interaction and engagement among singers.

How are work songs connected to spirituality?

Many work songs draw connections to Christian biblical stories and offer hope for the future.

What hidden messages might work songs contain?

They could contain hidden messages related to the Underground Railroad.

What does 'Wade in de Water' signify?

It uses water/river as a metaphor for travel to avoid being tracked by dogs.

What does the 'Drinking Gourd' refer to in the song 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'?

The Drinking Gourd refers to the Big Dipper, which points North

In the song 'Go Down Moses' who does Moses represent?

Moses represents Harriet Tubman, signaling that the way was clear for travel.

What does 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' symbolize?

The chariot to heaven symbolizes a carriage or passage to free land.

What is the historical context of spirituals transitioning to gospel music?

The transition occurred in the early 20th century, influenced by the Great Migration and the establishment of religious music in black churches with use of a choir

What impact did the Great Migration have on Black religious music?

Approximately 1.5 million Black people migrated North by 1930 leading to the church becoming a gathering place for communities.

What are the musical elements of Black Baptist and Pentecostal churches?

They feature more improvisation, movement, dancing, clapping, and non-singing vocalisms.

What is the significance of 'race records' in the 1920s?

Race records were marketed to Black communities, reflecting their cultural experiences.

Who was Sister Rosetta Tharpe?

She was known for her 'swinging spirituals' and played a significant role in the evolution of gospel music.

What themes are explored in the blues music of the 1920s?

Themes include fighting stereotypes, delivering messages to their community, sexuality, femininity, and luxury, and the challenges of everyday life

What is the 12-bar blues progression?

It is a common chord progression used in blues music.

Who is Bessie Smith and what is her contribution to blues?

Bessie Smith was a prominent blues singer known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery.

• “City Blues”

What is the significance of Lil Hardin Armstrong in jazz history?

She was a pianist and composer who contributed to the development of jazz and worked with notable musicians.

• Boogie Woogie Style

What were the precursors to jazz music?

Circus Shows, Vaudville, Minstrel Shows and Coon Songs, Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime

What are the defining characteristics of ragtime music?

Ragtime features a steady bass, syncopated melody, and repetition

What role did Mary Lou Williams play in jazz?

She was a significant figure in jazz, arranger, composer, known for her 'Boogie Woogie' style and mentoring future jazz greats.

What impact did WWII have on women in music?

WWII led to increased opportunities for women in music

Who was Toshiko Akiyoshi?

Akiyoshi was a pianist, composer, arranger, pioneering band leader known for her contributions to jazz

What is the significance of Ella Fitzgerald in music history?

Ella Fitzgerald was a renowned jazz singer known for her exceptional vocal ability and influence on the genre.

• “Scat Singing”

Spirituals

sacred in nature, connections to the Christian Bible, born out of struggle, offered hope for the future, could contain hidden messages

Marian Anderson (1939)

Known for performing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after she was denied the use of Constitution Hall

“Ma” Rainey

Song: “Prove it on Me” - talks about being a lesbian in 1928

Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thorton

Song: “You Ain’t Nothin but a Hound Dog”

Minstrel Shows & Coon Songs

19th century musical shows and songs stereotyping Black Americans, often performed by white singers in blackface

World War Eras Girl Groups

The Boswell Sisters (1932)

The Andrews Sisters (1940s) - military inspired

Onset

Glottal, aspirate

Sostain

Short or long? Vibrato?

Termination

Short or long? Descending or ascending pitch?

Janis Joplin

Rock and roll, raspy vocal qualities, visual aesthetic

• “sexually aggressive rock icon”

Beyonce “Lemonade” Album

Depicts African Goddesses and strong femininity “girl boss”

Oshun (Yoruba)

Depicted with a gold head dress, sometimes pregnant

Kali (Hindu)

Goddess of time, death, destruction, depicted with blue-toned skin, 8 arms, head dress

Ori Face Painting

Yoruba tradition - meaning consciousness and gaining head clarity