On this episode of ReCurrent, Jaime embarks on a journey to uncover the life and legacy of avant-garde composer Julius Eastman. Through conversations with those who knew him, Jaime explores how Eastman’s bold compositions challenged the boundaries of minimalist music, blending classical rigor with raw emotion and cultural defiance. As Jaime dives deeper into Eastman’s life, he draws personal connections to his own journey of self-expression and cultural identity, discovering how Eastman’s music resonates beyond sound, shaping artistic and social landscapes today. Jaime dives into the compelling story of Julius Eastman, a Black, openly gay composer who revolutionized minimalist music in the 1970s and ’80s. As Jaime traces Eastman’s life and career, he reflects on how Eastman’s compositions not only challenged traditional forms of music but also defied societal expectations of race, sexuality, and genre.
With interviews from key figures in Eastman’s life, like his brother Gerry Eastman and music archivist Mary Jane Leach, Jaime pieces together Eastman’s complex legacy. He explores the emotional and cultural depth of Eastman’s work, uncovering how his music continues to inspire a new generation of artists. Through this intimate portrait, Jaime connects Eastman’s fearless spirit to his own personal journey, revealing how art can serve as both a reflection of identity and a powerful means of breaking through boundaries.
Original recordings by Julius Eastman can be found in Getty’s Kitchen Archive, the archive of New York City's leading alternative art space.
Getty is working to make African American art history more visible to the public and accessible to the scholarly community worldwide. Learn more about the African American Art History Initiative.
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