piousterica

Doesn't count - as I believe we are looking at ethnic influence. Hello, Fran, Interesting comment; and this is an interesting thread. A bit scary, really, IMO, but interesting. Had someone started a thread entitled, "Non-Jewish Jazz Musicians" I'm sure lots of folks would be screaming anti-Semitism instead of contributing to it. But that's what is great about Freedom of Ideas and Speech; or at least in Internet-communication theory. A lot of "Jews," just to give you some historical perspective, are not "ethnically" influenced, as you seem to think is of such relative importance. In Central and Eastern Europe, many traders and merchants took on the Jewish faith, so that they could trade with both (collectively) the Christians and the Muslims. In this way, they would not offend either trading-party and could exploit trade to their greatest investment advantage. Over time, such people became "Jews" but were not of "ethnic" Jewish descent. So... Just because a fellow by the name of Stan Getz is of Ukrainian-Jewish origins, unless one does extensive Haplogroup X-DNA testing, really, there is no way to determine if he is as "ethnic" as you would like to believe. What really defines "ethnicity" in regards to Jews? Most American "Jews" are Ashkenazi Jews who have little consanguineous ties to ancient Israel. In reality, most "converted" to this religious-belief system for their personal advantage. Those with true "ethnic influence," as you like to put it; can range from 1% to about 30% of their bloodline. The majority of their genetics is of European descent with very little "ethnicity" of the Jewish bloodline. If Sammy chose to become Jewish, then I respect that. Being "Jewish" is beautiful, regardless if you have its "ethnicity" or not. Jazz is important because it can be played and enjoyed by all peoples in any culture, "ethnicity," or sex in life... That is why it is the greatest and most diverse music in the world. Please, do not let "ethnicity" determine who is worthy and who is not worthy. And, yes, I am to believe that I am a MOT (Jewish descent), of which I am very proud; but I do not let it define who I am nor let it define how to judge other peoples. Sammy, ethnically or not, is part of my family. Thank you for the opportunity to share my POV. GLTY.