Question

Why did America send Gillespie and his band to Greece? How did the Greek audience respond?

Answer 1

This question refers to the trip that Dizzy Gillespie and his band made to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia in 1956. The main reason why this trip was organized was because the United States was interested in presenting a positive image of America abroad. One of the ideas that the group wanted to spread was that of anti-authoritarianism. This led them to oppose rules and regulations of government.

This idea was particularly powerful in Greece, which at the time had an authoritarian, unpopular government. The ideas spread by these people were so popular that people in Athens tossed their jackets in the air when Dizzy played, and even carried the musician on their shoulders through the streets of Athens. This showed that the music was a huge success.

Answer 2

Answer: They were sent to Greece as Cultural diplomat or ambassadors to America during the Cold War. The Greece audience response was a triumph

Explanation:

Gillespie and his band were sent abroad to Greece during the Cold War as cultural diplomats or ambassadors to America during the Cold War. The America culture which was being used as a tool here was jazz music which showcased Americas culture to the world while keeping communism at bay using jazz music. The audience in Greece response was a triumph, rapturous and uplifting.