Wynton’s commentary for CNN and interview for Huffington Post
Wynton is now in Washington, DC, to play for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Following you can find a quote from Wynton’s commentary about the role of jazz music, democracy and the presidential inauguration, published yesterday on CNN. You can also give a look to the interview he gave for the Huffington Post.
“On the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, let’s recognize the pernicious effects of separating people by generic categories. In the fields of science and technology, we accept that one generation builds on another. But in the popular worlds of culture, there’s a generation war in which “young” is considered energetic and good and “old” equals passé and tired. So inaccurate. Culture provides a stream of forever-fresh ideas. The generations need one another…….
……President Obama’s inauguration is not a beginning, but the continuation of a glorious history that is hallmarked by the American people’s desire to be one. Our Constitution demands it. And it forces us to a life much greater than the Founding Fathers could have possibly imagined. In the words of Duke Ellington, supreme master of the blues, “The people are my people.” Hallelujah.”
Comments
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Keep on speaking the truth, Maestro!!
— From Karen on Jan 20th, 2009 at 6:15pm
Ain’t nobody who can play it AND say it like you, Wynton. The mid- twentieth century had Louis and Duke to show us the way and the current generation of jazz artists and jazz lovers have a lot to be thankful for with you out front leading the way.
— From Rick on Jan 21st, 2009 at 6:08pm