Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, a Philadelphia jazz legend: When the influenced becomes the influence

Lewis, Reginald

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117504 Copy

Description

Title

Robert "Bootsie" Barnes, a Philadelphia jazz legend: When the influenced becomes the influence

Author(s)

Lewis, Reginald

Issue Date

2023

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

McNeill, Charles L.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

McNeill, Charles L.

Committee Member(s)

• Stephens, John C.
• Spencer, Joel William
• Magee, Gayle Sherwood

Department of Study

School of Music

Discipline

Music

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

A.Mus.D. (doctoral)

Keyword(s)

• Bootsie
• Barnes
• jazz
• Philadelphia
• Reginald
• Lewis

Language

eng

Abstract

This thesis will provide a historical background on one of Philadelphia’s most significant and influential jazz musicians. This study will research Philadelphia Jazz Legend, Robert “Bootsie” Barnes. This investigation will include biographical information tracing Barnes’ early life, the community he grew up in, his musical influences, and his career. The study will also include first-hand accounts from established musicians, acquaintances, family, friends, and fans who were mentored by him, performed with him, and attended his performances. These first- hand accounts will provide and in-depth explanation of the influence that Barnes has had on them as an individual. An analysis of Barnes’ playing regarding tone and overall sound will be explained along with transcribed solos from his first recording with Don Patterson entitled Why Not and his last album recorded before his death entitled The More I See You, as well as statements from other notable jazz musicians on the scene. These chosen selections will compare Barnes’ improvisational style and technique from his first major recording to his last major recording. Examining Barnes’ playing will give insight to Barnes’ playing style and techniques that he uses when improvising. This study will also provide a glimpse into Barnes’ impact on myself as a human and musician. Also, extensive research was conducted which included primary sources in the Robert “Bootsie” Barnes Collection housed in the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University Libraries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Robert “Bootsie” Barnes’ influence remains relevant in the Philadelphia Jazz Community today and this documentation will provide a preservation of Barnes’ importance in the Philadelphia Jazz history.

Graduation Semester

2023-05-01T14:48:18-05:00

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Reginald Lewis

Owning Collections