Van Vechten is frequently described as a champion of the Harlem Renaissance and is often credited with sparking interest among white bohemians (and bored socialites) with jazz and Black culture.

when I published my book “Jazz Singing,” I used the term “canary” in reference to female big band vocalists. Frankly, I was then astonished that many reviewers took umbrage at that term, calling it — ...

Ted Gioia writes on music, literature and popular culture, and is the author of 10 books, including The History of Jazz, Delta Blues and How to Listen to Jazz. His next book, Music: A Subversive ...