n 1983, Dizzy Gillespie was interviewed by a BBC Arena interviewer about the early days of jazz and how the Second World War affected the big swing bands, ultimately leading to changes in the style and size of swing bands. According to Gillespie, the music they were playing during that time wasn't called bebop, as it is commonly known now.
Gillespie noted that the war had a significant impact on jazz music. With many musicians drafted into the military, big swing bands were forced to downsize or disband altogether. This led to the emergence of smaller bands, which allowed for more individual expression and experimentation with the music. The new style that emerged from this era was referred to as bebop, a term that Gillespie claims was not used at the time.
The interview provided a fascinating insight into the early days of jazz and the evolution of the genre. It's clear that the war had a profound effect on the music industry, forcing musicians to adapt and innovate to keep the music alive. Gillespie's contributions to jazz will always be remembered, and his thoughts on the early days of bebop continue to inspire musicians today.
