Jazzmeia Horn: Empowerment Through Improvisation | JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA

You’re probably familiar with scatting, an improvisatory, rhythmic vocal style that ditches standard vocabulary for punctuated syllables that deliver melodies unique to every vocalist. But, for Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, it’s more than a technique; it’s a means to honor her ancestry and empower herself in the present moment.
Horn, now 26, left her hometown of Dallas at 18 and moved, alone, to New York City to pursue a music career. She quickly learned, like so many before her, that she would need to prove herself - to her teachers at The New School, to the male-dominated jazz scene, and, ultimately, to herself. Instead of imitating her idols, like legendary vocalists Sarah Vaughn and Billie Holiday, she needed to distinguish herself. As she grew, unlike many before her, she quickly began to rise - winning major contests like the Monk Competition in 2015 and the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2013. In 2017, she released her first album, A Social Call (Concord/Prestige), and in 2018, received her first Grammy Award nomination.
When we asked Jazzmeia how she hopes her music is interpreted, she spoke about using her platform to inspire others, especially young, black women such as herself. "Society teaches us to be docile, especially as black women. We don’t wanna hear your opinion. But when I get on that stage, I’m greater. The stage is mine. It’s my empire.” -- NIKI WALKER
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[@protopoe]

Amazing musician making amazing music! Go go go!!!!

[@jakeschubert5430]

cool video, I think some people forget where Jazz comes from. It's always good to remember the history

[@caleb-hb9bf]

Absolutely fabulous.

[@ORIGINALTHINKA]

Peace, sista spoke it real on this one, right and exact!

[@amd77j]

Thanks for telling the TRUTH and for knowing your HISTORY, young lady.....

[@jacegainer3841]

Sing!!!!!

[@LOUDsigh]

Keep pushing thx 4 posting

[@casianacasiana]

was watching the npr concert and the chat room was asking what scatting is, Jassmeia kindly replied wit h a link to this video, thank you so much. Scatting refers to a singing style, but the meaning,.. is so much more, glad i came to watch! thanks

[@TS-tv2ik]

Yes, Sister...

[@dieubermensch]

Oh tommy buns... Hahaha he's right tho

[@marcbrooks8409]

I think her jeans are too tight

[@JaySmith-mz7vg]

That's what you took from this entire video? That's telling.