How Jazz Helped Hasten the Civil-Rights Movement – WSJ.com.

By NAT HENTOFF

On Jan. 19, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Rockefeller Foundation, also focusing on the next day’s presidential inauguration, will present at Kennedy Center “A Celebration of America.” Headlining the cast are Sandra Day O’Connor and Wynton Marsalis. As Jazz at Lincoln Center declares, Dr. King called jazz “America’s triumphant music,” and the presence of Mr. Marsalis is to “illustrate that American democracy and America’s music share the same tenets and embody the same potential for change, hope and renewal.”

This focus on jazz as well as President-elect Barack Obama (who, I’m told, has John Coltrane on his iPod) should help make Americans, including our historians, aware of the largely untold story of the key role of jazz in helping to shape and quicken the arrival of the civil-rights movement.

Beethoven: The Face of a Genius

In the 230 odd years since Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth, hundreds of
artists have been inspired by him. Perhaps due to his stern and
powerful features, artists of all kinds have represented Beethoven
visually, ranging from portraits painted during his lifetime to
Hollywood movies.

“Without You”

On the surface these may be unrelated, but not in my mind & heart. As I contemplate & anticipate this historic  inauguration, I can’t help but think of my Dad. He passed away in 2006. He was my best friend. When the announcement came that Obama had won, I cried. My tears were mixed with joy & sorrow as I wondered about how my Dad would have felt about this election and Obama. Likewise, whenever I hear this song I think of  him. Thanks again, Ayo, for another “heart song.”

Sometimes I find a song that seems to have been written specifically for me; to echo what’s in my heart.  Thank you, Ayo.