Celebrating Women in Jazz & the Arts
Our March cover celebrates National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day by featuring I. J. Routen, aka Dr. I. J. Routen, a jazz musician and so much more. Please take the time to learn more about her on page 13 in this issue. Thanks to Ebony Blevins of MsCameralady.com for permission to use the photo and to Richard Stephens for his vibrant cover design.
National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day, celebrated annually on March 1, is a holiday that is dedicated to jazz, fine, visual, performing, and auditory arts in all its glory. The day is specifically held on the first day of National Women’s History Month because it honors all existing and previous African-American female artists only. This day was established by the Georgia organization, Black Women in Jazz.
The earliest female figures were often pianists because playing the piano was deemed ‘appropriate’ for women. Female jazz artists added their musical concepts, new vocal styles, and challenged stereotypes across the board. They became inspirations for future generations of women striving to succeed in a gender disparate world. Sexism in the U.S. music industry took many female performers to Europe and Asia, making jazz a global phenomenon.
Women’s suffrage and the emergence of multiple famous black jazz musicians slowly turned the tide. The genre itself underwent many transformations, transitioning into today’s styles.
Here’s to celebrating your favorite Black Female Jazz artist!
