Digital Program: Women in Jazz

Women have been involved in Jazz since the early 1920s, not just as vocalists, but as instrumentalists, composers, and arrangers. An understanding of Jazz would not be complete without highlighting the influence and contributions of women–women such as Bessie Smith, Valaida Snow, Mildred Bailey, May Lou Williams, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

Galen Abdur-Raazaq, Master Flautist and Riveting Speaker, will give a presentation on women Jazz performers’ lives, their ability to read music and perform, and survive in a time when Jazz was considered a man’s world. He will also covers the full spectrum of years, genre, recordings, recognized achievements, and samples of artists’ music.

This program is hosted by Ledyard Public Libraries and co-sponsored by the Mystic & Noank, Groton, Waterford, Stonington, Ledyard, and Otis Public Libraries.