Jean Michel Basquiat was a renowned artist known for his neo-expressionist paintings that often incorporated social and political themes. In addition to his artistic talent, Basquiat was also a music enthusiast who was heavily influenced by various genres of music throughout his life. In this essay, we will explore the various types of music that were favorites of Jean Michel Basquiat and how they influenced his art.
Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1960 and grew up in a household that was heavily influenced by music. His mother was a Haitian immigrant who exposed him to the music of her homeland, including Haitian Vodou drumming and dance music. In addition to this, Basquiat was also exposed to a variety of other genres of music through the radio and through his older siblings, who were fans of rock, funk, and jazz.
One of Basquiat's favorite genres of music was jazz, which he was introduced to at a young age through his father, who was a jazz saxophonist. Basquiat was especially fond of the bebop style of jazz, which was characterized by fast tempos and complex melodies. He often listened to recordings of jazz legends such as Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie while working on his art.
Basquiat was also a fan of punk rock and was heavily influenced by the energy and rebellion of the genre. He was particularly fond of the punk band The Dead Kennedys, and even incorporated references to the band in his art. In addition to punk, Basquiat was also a fan of other forms of rock music, such as reggae and funk.
In addition to these genres, Basquiat was also interested in classical music and was a fan of composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach. He often listened to classical music while working on his art and was inspired by the structure and complexity of the compositions.
Overall, Jean Michel Basquiat's favorite music was diverse and included a wide range of genres, from jazz and punk rock to classical music. His love of music had a significant influence on his art, as he often incorporated musical themes and references into his paintings. The energy and emotion of the music he listened to can be seen in the bold lines and vibrant colors of his artwork.
