3652 - Women in Jazz History (Paul Tribble, Jill Parks, Molly Holcombe)
Course Description
Instructors: Paul Tribble, Jill Parks, Molly Holcombe
Jazz helped define the sound of the twentieth century—and women were central to its creation. This two-session course explores the remarkable contributions of female musicians and singers who shaped jazz during its formative years. Through carefully selected audio and video recordings, participants will hear the music and stories of iconic artists such as Ma Rainey, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams, and others. Covering the vibrant era from the 1920s through the 1940s, the class invites you to relive the sounds of a transformative period in American culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the women whose talent and determination helped make jazz a lasting global art form.
Bios:
Paul Tribble: With a background in Anthropology and Social Science, I’ve spent a lifetime exploring history, culture, and music. My experiences living in Southeast Asia and visiting historical sites worldwide fuel my passion for lifelong learning. I retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011 and am an ardent supporter of public health. As a music enthusiast, I bring depth and passion to topics like American roots music. I enjoy leading discussions that inspire curiosity and foster connection. Join me to explore culture, public health, history, and music in a welcoming and engaging environment!
Jill Parks:
Jill Fein Parks was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She holds a BA degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and did graduate work in education at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. She taught in the public schools for several years in Rhode Island, Arizona, and Florida. She left teaching to become the first female switchman for the Southern Pacific Railroad in Salt Lake City in the early 1990's.Ms. Parks became politically active while at the University of California, Berkeley, protesting the war in Vietnam. After moving to Rhode Island in the early 1970's, she became a leader of the Pro-Choice Movement giving speeches around the state, debating, and publishing articles. Due to her involvement in Pro Choice activities, she was followed by the FBI for months. She received her FBI file of over 100 pages from the Freedom of Information Act. She helped organize marches in Washington DC and around the country for the Equal Rights Amendment and for the Right to Choose. In 1986 Ms. Parks ran as a socialist candidate for US Senate in Washington. In 2015, Ms. Parks participated on a visual arts tour of Cuba with The University of New Mexico Latin American & Iberian Institute and Tamarind Institute. She shared her experiences at a Lunch and Learn at OLLI. She has taught several classes at OLLI since her retirement in 2012 from Kaiser Permanente as HR Manager. She is also a co-leader of the OLLI Book Club.