TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Charleston, South Carolina, holds a rich yet often overlooked place in jazz history. The Charleston Jazz Initiative, co-founded by Dr. Karen Chandler and the late Jack McCray, is dedicated to uncovering and celebrating this legacy.
This Initiative documents the African American jazz tradition in Charleston and the South Carolina Lowcountry, tracing its influence from the late 19th century to the present day.
Their work includes collecting oral histories, archiving historical materials, and organizing performances and educational programs to engage the community with Charleston’s rich jazz heritage.
A cornerstone of this history is the Jenkins Orphanage Band, established in 1894. This ensemble trained young African American musicians, many of whom went on to perform nationally and internationally, making significant contributions to the spread of jazz.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.