How did Gwendolyn Bennett and Duke Ellington influence the Harlem Renaissance age?

Tara Bauer and John Kenney

Gwendolyn Bennett (1902-1981)Writer (poet and columnist) Artist

(paintings) Earned college degree from Pratt

Institute

How Gwendolyn Arose To Fame

She wrote articles for NAACP’s The Crisis and Urban League’s Opportunity

Submitted her art work to those magazines

Gwendolyn’s Contribution Belonged to a group that

centered around spreading awareness about African American culture

What Did Her Work Reflect?Themes common to Harlem

Renaissance – racial pride, rediscovery of Africa, and recognition of black music and dance

Kara Walker: A Modern Painter

Received Master of Fine Arts degree in painting in 1994 from Rhode Island School of Design

Work explored race, gender, violence and identity

Duke Ellington (1899-1974)Key figure in history of jazzMusician (pianist, conductor,

composer) Preformed in Broadway

nightclubs in the 20’sEarned 12 Grammy’s from 1959

to 2000, nine while he was alive

How Duke Came To FameBecame successful bandleader in

NY in 1923Traveled throughout Europe &

regularly made trips to South America, Asia, and Australia spreading his music

Duke’s Contribution to Harlem Renaissance Important component in the

establishment of jazz Famous songs included “It Don’t

Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”, “Sophisticated Lady”, and “Prelude To A Kiss”

George Benson (b. 1943)

Began successful solo career alternating between jazz, pop, R&B singing, and scat singing

Won 10 Grammy awards as a jazz artist

Songs talked about race, romance, and friendship

Works CitedAruelio Araujo. “Duke Ellington – It

don’t mean a thing (1943)”. Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 3 Jan. 2008. Web. 17 March. 2013.

“Duke Ellington Biography”. The Official Site Of Jazz Legend Duke Ellington. N.p. 2008. Web. 17 March. 2013. www.dukeellington.com“George Benson”.

George Benson Guitar Legend. N.p. N.d. Web. 17 March. 2013. www.georgebenson.com

Govan, Sandra. “Gwendolyn Bennett’s Life and Career”. Oxford University Press. 1997. Web. 17 March. 2013. www.english.illinois.edu

“Gwendolyn Bennett”. Biography True Story. A+E Television Networks, LLC.

2013. Web. 17 March. 2013. www.biography.com

Haas, Theresa. “Gwendolyn, Bennett”. Pennsylvania State University.

N.p. 2005. Web. 17 March. 2013. http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu

“The Art of Kara Walker”. Walker Art. N.p. N.d. Web. 17 March. 2013. learn.walkerart.org/karawalker

“To A Dark Girl”. All Poetry. N.p. N.d. Web. 17 March 2013.

http://allpoerty.com