The Legacy of Betty Carter - Xiongyue Yu Journal Entry 17

The Legacy of Betty Carter (A Jazz Congress 2020 Session)

 

This Colloquium was held to provide insight into the impact of Berry Carter, the legendary singer, on the world of music as an entrepreneur, educator and mentor. In addition, Dr. Berry Carter received the 2020 Bruce LundvallVisionary Award from Kenny Barron in recognition of Dr. Harris' dedication as a jazz mentor to hundreds of artists for nearly half a century. These influential contributions of fame and achievement to this day are a record of Berry's art and life forever.

 

In addition to her talent and performance on stage, Berry Carter is also remembered for her professionalism and her positive personality, working closely and harmoniously with her team, a professional team that worked together to produce a perfect performance. She treats her friends and audiences with kindness and affection, and this sense of intimacy, more than other famous musicians, makes all who come in contact with her infected by her talent and the unique depth of feeling she displays in her music.

 

Berry has a very unique self-interpretation of music, and her way of phrasing and explaining lyrics is so magical and her intonation so near perfect that critics believe her voice alone can represent the timelessness and uniqueness of jazz and can touch the hearts of listeners. She is also no slouch when it comes to composition and improvisation, and she has always been able to lend great expressiveness to her work. It is for this reason that Berry Carter's music and personality, as well as her relentless pursuit of positive spirit, have left a lasting memory in the hearts of jazz musicians and music lovers alike.

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