Sounds of Solace

Jazz and blues, born from the lived experiences of African Americans in the post-slavery and Jim Crow eras, were not only revolutionary musical movements but also early forms of emotional and psychological expression and relief. These genres gave voice to pain, resilience, hope, and collective trauma—long before mental health was formally recognized or treated in American society. In communities facing oppression, music became a powerful and accessible form of self-therapy and cultural preservation. Over time, jazz and blues also influenced the development of music therapy in the United States, a field now recognized for its ability to promote mental wellness and emotional healing. Understanding this legacy allows us to trace how artistic expression shaped the cultural conversation around trauma, healing, and identity in American history.