Jazz as a metaphor for Democracy (2024)

Famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis sees jazz music as the perfect metaphor for democracy.

"The question that confronts us right now as a nation is, 'Do we want to find a better way?'" Marsalis says.

To understand what democracy and jazz have in common and to see how music can engage a new generation of Americans to appreciate the democracy we all love, watch this short video:

There are so many examples of how music and the arts are connected to democracy. In the coming days and months, we will present many more to you. However, the heart of music is the interplay between the entertainer and the audience. So please engage.

Please email us at pop-culture@fulcrum.us and tell us other examples that you think represent the connection between the arts and democracy. Whether music, theater, poetry, comedy or other mediums, please send us your ideas.

Thank you.