Question

In a 2016 opinion piece, writer Seth Colter

Walls argues that a new wave of talented
young artists has helped to bring jazz back
into the mainstream.
Swing is a jazz style that emerged during
the Great Depression. People found solace in
the high-energy music, which allowed them
to temporarily forget their hardships.
Duke Ellington began studying piano at age
seven, and by the time he was a teenager,
he was playing jazz.
New Orleans-born Louis Armstrong was a
pioneer of the improvised jazz solo, which
became a standard element of the genre.
Select the section where it fits best...

a) Eras
b) Leaders
c) Modern-day
d) Popularity

Answer 1

The details regarding jazz's influence and its key figures during the Harlem Renaissance best align with the section on "Popularity," emphasizing the genre's rise to mainstream prominence in the 1920s.

Step-by-step explanation:

The information provided on the influence of jazz and its artists during the Harlem Renaissance naturally fits into the section about "Popularity". This section discusses the surge in jazz's mainstream appeal during the 1920s, especially in venues like the Cotton Club in New York, and the broader cultural phenomenon known as the Jazz Age. Mentioning Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, pioneering artists who contributed significantly to jazz becoming a seminal American music genre, reinforces the idea of jazz's growing popularity and its integration into American culture.

Answer 2

The section where the given passage fits best is leaders. So, the correct option is b) Leaders.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage highlights the contributions and significance of influential figures like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong in the history and development of jazz. It focuses on the pioneering role of these musicians, positioning them as leaders who shaped the genre through their talent and innovations.

By discussing their early beginnings and pivotal contributions to jazz, it aligns with the theme of highlighting key figures within the evolution of the art form. The section emphasizes their impact on the genre, showcasing their instrumental roles in popularizing jazz elements like improvisation and high-energy performances, making "Leaders" the most fitting category for this content.

The passage delves into the historical context of the emergence of swing during the Great Depression and how jazz served as a source of solace for people during challenging times. It then shifts the focus to the prodigious talents and pivotal roles of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, portraying their significance in the jazz landscape.

This section predominantly centers around the influential figures who shaped the genre, making it a suitable fit for the "Leaders" category. It highlights their early engagements with music and jazz, showcasing their journey towards becoming key figures in the history of jazz music.

Moreover, the passage accentuates the pioneering aspects of these musicians, particularly Louis Armstrong's role in introducing improvised jazz solos as a standard element of the genre. It emphasizes their impact on jazz's development, underlining their leadership through their innovative contributions. By spotlighting their influence and pivotal roles, the passage aligns with the essence of the "Leaders" category, focusing on key figures who significantly shaped and defined jazz music.

The discussion of Duke Ellington's early piano studies and Louis Armstrong's innovative contributions in improvisation aligns with the theme of showcasing leaders who played instrumental roles in shaping the trajectory of jazz music. By highlighting their formative years and groundbreaking contributions, the passage effectively emphasizes their leadership in the jazz sphere, fitting best within the "Leaders" section.

So, the correct option is b) Leaders.