Jessica: The soulful sounds of black jazz in the 1930's and 40's, was
one of the hottest, most aggressive musical art forms of this country.
But black jazz was more than just good music; it was a tool that united a
community of musical talents right here in the heartland.
Gayle Williamson: The black community has always had good roots here in jazz.
Before integration really came into being, we white musicians would come over
here to the black clubs and sit in with the bands.
Jessica: Gayle Williamson, who some call the grandfather of jazz,
clearly remembers Tulsa's Greenwood District as a jazz powerhouse.
An area that he says gave birth to many international jazz stars.
Williamson: Bands would come through this area since it was kind of
centrally located.
They would stop here and play some gigs.
Out of that background a lot of the current musicians at that time
were able to establish themselves and go and play with some of these
traveling groups.
Jessica: So jazz legends sprung up all throughout Oklahoma.
Creating a sound that kept jazz lovers coming
to Tulsa's Greenwood district.
Chuck Cissel: In many communities around this country, the black part of
town, if you will, across the railroad
tracks, that's where all of the fun was.
And here, it was in the Greenwood district.
Jessica: Chuck Cissel, Director of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in
Tulsa, says that the jazz influence in Oklahoma is far too rich to ignore.
Cissel says jazz is reflective of black culture, making it a
significant part of African-American history.
Cissel: Well music period is important to African American people.
It's indigenous to our nature.
We Love music, we love dance.
It's Africa to here.
Jessica: And you can find Oklahoma's black jazz roots at the
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.
A collection of musical history that founder Maxine Horner, says is not
only inspirational, but educational.
Maxine Horner: It's such a base, for really understanding music, the
improvisation of the music.
It's just one of the things that I would hope that we would get more
interested in and study more about.
Jessica: And the vision for the 18 year old Jazz
Hall of Fame continues to grow.
Cissel: In the fall of this year, we're moving to Tulsa's Old Union Depot
building, one of the great art deco architectural wonders in this city.
We can have after hours jazz out on the patio.
So it's going to be a happening spot.
Jessica: Making the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
a promoter of what jazz truly is.
A sound that is soothing to the ear and calming to the soul.
Horner: And if I want something that's kind of jumping and want to make
me feel happy, then I may listen to a Count Basie or
I might listen to a Duke Ellington.
That's very, very tranquilizing to me.