Kelsey Klotz
Music scholar and lecturer who wrote Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness (Oxford University Press, 2023); her work examines whiteness, jazz history, and performance across archival and musical sources.
Best podcasts with Kelsey Klotz
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Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 10min
Kelsey Klotz, "Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Kelsey Klotz, a music lecturer and assistant dean at UNC Charlotte, dives into the legacy of jazz legend Dave Brubeck. She explores how Brubeck, despite his progressive beliefs, navigated mid-century racial dynamics, examining the performance of whiteness in his music and public image. The conversation touches on critics' racialized views, Brubeck's respectful appeal to mainstream audiences, and the controversies from his integrated touring. Klotz also discusses Brubeck's efforts to bridge communities through his work, revealing the complexities of identity in jazz.
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 10min
Kelsey Klotz, "Dave Brubeck and the Performance of Whiteness" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Kelsey Klotz, a music scholar and lecturer, dives into the complexities of Dave Brubeck's legacy and his relationship with whiteness in jazz. She explores how Brubeck's performances influenced perceptions of race during pivotal moments in American history. The discussion reveals how critics racialized Brubeck's music, the cultural implications of his mainstream appeal, and the challenges faced by his integrated quartet. Klotz also highlights the significance of Brubeck's works, like the "Gates of Justice" cantata, in bridging communities. This multifaceted analysis encourages a deeper understanding of race and identity in jazz.
