ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the US government’s jazz diplomacy since the 1980s, as well as the potential for jazz to facilitate the interconnecting of disparate groups of people in today’s globalized world. Since the 1980s, the discourse equating jazz with “American music” saw a revival, in line with the US Congress repeatedly adopting resolutions celebrating the lofty idea of Americanism. However, controversy remains as to the ownership of jazz, and whether it is a symbol of racial integration in America or is solely symbolic of black culture. Further complicating these ownership questions, UNESCO has determined that 30 April is International Jazz Day, thus formally disseminating values seen intrinsic to jazz such as cross-cultural dialogue, and respect for human rights and diversity. This chapter notes that although jazz has its roots in America, jazz has become a truly global music and shared cultural asset of the world, coming about via myriad historical routes.
