It is important to note that the Jim Crow era was a period of severe oppression and segregation of African Americans in the United States. During these times, many societal problems emerged, which resulted in movements toward liberation and equality. Some of the protests manifested themselves in the form of music, where composers, such as Louis Armstrong and Scott Joplin, emerged. One of the most prominent and well-known works of Armstrong and Joplin are The Easy Winners and Hotter Than That, respectively. In terms of both melody and rhythm, Armstrong’s composition is far more dynamic than Joplin’s, and the instrumentation of the former is a trumpeter, whereas the latter used piano. The overall musical impression can be considered positive and uplifting, and the societal impressions can be categorized as cross-racially appealing.
One should understand that Scott Joplin was one of the most prominent composers of the Jim Crow era, where many African Americans were segregated and oppressed on a structural level. However, despite these challenges, it is stated that Joplin “was dubbed “The King of Ragtime Writers” early in his composing career, earned the title through diligence, innovation, and sheer talent” (Scott Joplin, n.d., para. 1). In other words, he was able to establish himself as an outstanding performer from early on. His most well-known work, The Easy Winners, is a ragtime composition that is primarily performed on piano. Its rhythm is mostly repetitive with minor melodic tensions, where it is uplifting but lacks intensity. In the case of societal impact, one might argue that the composer progressed the notion of accepting the talent of African Americans.
One of the most well-known compositions of Louis Armstrong is Hotter Than That, which was also created during the period of aggressive segregation. It is primarily performed on a trumpet, which sets the melody of the music. However, unlike in The Easy Winners, the rhythm is sporadic and set by drums, which go in combination with the main instrument. Therefore, the form can be considered fragmented because there are periods when either trumpet or drums go silent to emphasize the other instrument. Therefore, the overall musical impression can be described as dynamic and intense, which is more relaxed and uplifting in Joplin’s work. In the case of societal impressions, it is stated that: “Louis Armstrong was one of the first truly popular African-American entertainers to achieve cross-racial appeal.” (Devenish, 2019, para. 2). In other words, he made a significant impact to unite the divided nation, where the highest public officials were promoting segregation and discrimination. Despite these substantial challenges and difficulties, Armstrong was a beacon, whose music was not bound by a single race or ethnicity. Thus, his compositions were liked by all Americans in a cross-racial fashion, which promoted equality and appreciation.
In conclusion, it is critically important to point out the fact that both Scott Joplin and Louis Armstrong made a significant impact on the development of African American culture and its integration into society. Their most prominent works are The Easy Winners and Hotter Than That, which shaped the direction of jazz and ragtime music. Joplin’s composition can be considered as solely piano-based work with repetitive rhythm and minor melodic alterations, which makes it uplifting and light. However, Armstrong’s work is more dynamic and intense with sporadic melody and drum-based rhythm. In the case of societal impressions, both works were liked in a cross-racial manner, which promoted African American inclusion.
References
Devenish, J. (2019). In the days of U.S. segregation, Louis Armstrong broke through.Jazz.FM91. Web.
Scott Joplin.(n.d.). Web.