Jazz legend Dee Dee Bridgewater is not one to stay silent, especially when it comes to using her voice to confront political issues. In a powerful interview, she reveals her journey from sharing the stage with jazz greats to becoming a force for change, all while navigating a male-dominated industry. But here's where it gets controversial: her activism is now aimed at none other than Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters.
Bridgewater, a two-time Grammy winner, is gearing up for a concert in Iowa, but her heart isn't in the classic love songs of the Great American Songbook. Instead, she feels compelled to sing about the urgent need to protect democracy. With a career spanning six decades, she's worked with iconic band leaders like Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dexter Gordon, and has never been afraid to evolve and confront societal issues.
At 75, Bridgewater's energy and idealism are as strong as ever, fueled by her experiences in the 1960s and ongoing daily racism. She's determined to raise her voice, especially in the face of chauvinism in the jazz world. Bridgewater founded the all-female band We Exist! to promote women in jazz and challenge the industry's macho culture. She also established the Woodshed Network to support female jazz musicians, but fears its future under Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center.
Her recent performances include powerful protest songs, such as Billy Taylor's civil rights anthem and Bob Dylan's political statement. Bridgewater's activism extends to her song choices, with Nina Simone's 'Mississippi Goddam' and Percy Mayfield's 'Danger Zone' resonating with today's struggles. She aims to wake people up, especially the younger generation, but worries about the government's potential crackdown on free speech.
Bridgewater's early life in music was not without challenges, facing harsh criticism from Max Roach and Horace Silver. Yet, she persevered, eventually collaborating with Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins, and later achieving success in pop, Broadway, and disco. Her time in France and Mali inspired her to explore her African roots, resulting in the acclaimed album 'Red Earth: A Malian Journey'.
Now, Bridgewater is as ambitious as ever, collaborating with renowned DJs and producers. She draws inspiration from Miles Davis and jazz singer Betty Carter, taking control of her career and owning her albums. And this is the part most people miss: her unwavering determination to use her voice, both musically and politically, to make a difference.
