PARIS, France — As visitors watch the 2024 Olympics in Paris, they will notice the eclectic and electrifying swinging sounds of brass horns, drums and pianos.
Jazz is deeply rooted in Paris's modern culture, thanks to African American musicians. The City of Lights holds dozens of large jazz festivals every year, and the Due des Lombards club is considered similar to the Blue Note in New York.
Brian Jackson, a jazz musician, is joining some of the biggest names in the genre as he steps on the stage of the city's New Morning Club.
"Many iconic musicians have gone through the New Morning, and now I have as well," Jackson said. "I began hearing about some of these jazz musicians who are coming over here like the drummer Kenny Clark, who was famous for having played with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie."
Over the years, Jackson has played with Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott Heron and more.
As he reflects on his career, he pays homage to those who have walked before him in the city, dwelling on the history behind the culture of the city.
"People in Paris love jazz, so much so that years of years and years ago, decades ago, they began to study it, and some great French musicians have brought their own sensibilities back to the States," Jackson said.
African American musicians, like those from the 369th Harlem Hellfighters Infantry Regiment, first brought jazz to Paris during World War I.
In the 1950s and 1960s, artists like Josephine Baker, Nina Simon, Louise Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington left racial segregation in the United States.
"You know the judgment of biased, prejudiced hatred. So a lot of them decided it's not so bad over here. Maybe I'll stay," Jackson added.
Jackson nodded to Johnny Griffith, a saxophonist, and he said, "You know you're going to play the same here if you're not going to play any different, only nobody's going to be giving you the main stares."
Jackson often emphasizes the differences in the racial climate and violence back home in America.
"I think there's a lot of fear in America right now about what cultures and different cultures will do to society, but in reality, it can do nothing but help it," he added. "Not to say that there's no racism in France or anywhere else in Europe."
He added that Black American music has a tendency to bring cultures together from all over the world.
With the inclusiveness during the Olympics, jazz musicians will light up the city with the rich culture of the music.
11Alive is Atlanta's hub for the 2024 Paris Olympics this Summer. Know what's ahead with previews and keep up with the highlights on our website throughout the entire competition. To see all of our coverage, head here: 11alive.com/olympics.