German Couple In Search of America
On a trip to the Grand Canyon in 2001 BC (before kids) I heard a variety of languages French, Dutch and Japanese being spoken.
I asked a German couple why they decided to travel to the Grand Canyon?
They said, “They wanted to see the country that John Wayne came from.”
Now that’s a favorable idea about America. It’s about a hero. It’s a search for an ideal that brought that couple halfway around the world to America.
Hollywood in many ways has promoted that “self reliant pioneer spirit that won the West” and by this, I believe that America has a good reputation around the world.
I was made proud when I heard their story.
The Jazz Era of the 1920s – The Swing Era of the “30s” and “40s.”
Along with the international influence of Hollywood, American Jazz of the 1920s, 30s and 40s also contributed to the broad dissemination of American culture throughout the world.
The “Great American Song Book” is essentially a collection of Broadway Show Tunes “covered” “recorded” and made popular by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and others.
American Jazz Musicians adopted this music and their interpretation and improvisation created a new art form and freedom of expression.
Please see this video honoring “The Greatest Generation”: 100th Birthday Party Swing Band @ Shakespear Club Pasadena, California
Shakespeare Club 171 S Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Happy July 2025!
Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann
Elegant Music 323-270-3650