American Musicians in Cold War Cultural Diplomacy

Abstract

During the Cold War, the U.S. State Department sent musicians to strategically important regions around the world to enhance the image of American culture. Hundreds of musicians performed a broad variety of styles including jazz, classical, folk, blues, country, musical theater, choral, and even avant-garde art music. Despite the importance of the musicians' tours for the development of international cultural contact, no scholar has yet done a thorough analysis of the effects of the State Department’s tour program. Danielle Fosler-Lussier is attempting to do just that with a grant from the Mershon Center supporting the early stages of her research.