Text

theses

ETD graduate

In four parts, this thesis covers the early years of the life, development, and career of Roy Haynes beginning with his ancestry and family history in Boston, to the early 1950's in New York, by which time he had become an established fixture on the scene of New York’s new evolution of African American music called bebop. The purpose of this study is to magnify the genesis of one of America’s treasured artists – taking a glimpse into the dawning of his influences and musical exposure, and later highlighting his gift in expressive versatility which carried him throughout his career, displaying the gradual making of an internationally renowned artist.

Part one is comprised of four chapters, and includes an introduction and biographical information. Chapter one covers his genealogy, taking a step back to identify the sources of his African and Caribbean roots that help to inform who he is personally and musically.

Chapter two sheds light upon his social and familial development in the historical context around and between World War I and The Great Depression. It touches upon the social, cultural, and economic existence of the immigrants who found themselves in and around the communities of Lower Roxbury. This section shows when and how Haynes’s talent emerged, and how through his gift he was able to build a sound reputation as a solid musician around New England.

From that reputation, which traveled all the way to New York, chapter three continues with Haynes’s professional career in Boston, then leaps to New York City via a one-way train ticket to join the famed Luis Russell Orchestra.

In chapter four, the author explains plans for additional research, and the continued synthesis and distillation thereof toward the eventual publication of biographical literature for both adults and children.
Continuing with part two of this work, chapter five includes musical analyses highlighting Haynes’s contributions on three particular recordings between 1945 and 1949.

In part three, chapters six through fourteen feature interview transcripts from nine individuals who provide an overview of expert insight spanning several generations on a variety of cultural, musical, and stylistic influences and contributions of Haynes’s artistry.

Finally, in part four, there are several appendices which represent visual images on topics approached throughout, and in support of the narrative.

ETD_9489

doi:10.7282/t3-fv3q-3k61

M.A.

Includes bibliographical references

by Leslie K. Haynes

The author owns the copyright to this work.