Yet, the early jazz stamps from Africa are worth discussing, even if some were speculative issues. Of course, it is common for African countries (and small countries elsewhere) to issue stamps with the primary purpose of being sold to collectors overseas. jazz musicians were in Africa in the 1960s and 1970s. The first countries to issue postage stamps with U.S. Conversely, other countries did feature American jazz stars earlier. White dominant culture could not admit to the genius of Black musicians.Įven after it became more widely accepted, it took a very long time for the prominent jazz musicians to appear on U.S. It was largely cast as trivial and unsophisticated. In the United States, white cultural leaders and politicians would not acknowledge the importance of jazz music for decades after its creation around the turn of the century in New Orleans. IntroductionĪs I often say, stamps are political documents. This article is a history of jazz stamps in the United States and around the world. Yet, the United States was very slow to recognize its pioneering jazz musicians with postage stamps. Other twentieth century popular musical styles could not have been created without it.

This incredibly important musical form, which by the middle of the twentieth century was a worldwide phenomenon, had a major influence on culture, politics, and every other art form. Perhaps the most important musical style from the country, arguably the most important art form from the country, is jazz music. However, before the 1990s, the United States was very slow to celebrate its important musical culture.

John glenn upper volta stamp