“Jazz Radio Legacy” explores the vital, yet often overlooked, connection between jazz music and radio broadcasting. This book highlights how radio served as a crucial platform for disseminating jazz, shaping its evolution and securing its place in American cultural history. Readers will discover how radio not only amplified the sounds of jazz across geographical boundaries but also fostered a sense of community among listeners, critics, and performers. For example, the book illuminates how historically Black colleges and universities utilized radio to champion this emerging art form.
The book progresses chronologically, beginning with the parallel emergence of jazz and radio in the early 20th century. It examines the impact of network radio during the Swing Era and the role of independent stations in preserving bebop. By drawing on archival recordings, oral histories, and industry data, “Jazz Radio Legacy” offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the symbiotic relationship between jazz and radio, highlighting its enduring legacy in the digital age.
