introduction Although World War I the Great War was global it was fought over there on the European continent from August 1914 through November 1918 Its horrific destruction is almost indescribable Nine million soldiers and untold civilians died in what is the sixth deadliest conflict in history The United States was a latecomer After two and a half years of remaining neutral the U S joined the battle in April 1917 An important chapter of America’s involvement in the war is often minimized the critical role of more than 350,000 black American soldiers One such unit mobilized as the 15th New York National Guard was federalized as the 369th Infantry Regiment They became the Harlem Hellfighters so named by the Germans for their tenacity They also called themselves the Men of Bronze or the Black Rattlers and they would make history not only on the battlefield but also for a wholly original musical creation a mix of primitive jazz blues and upbeat ragtime never heard before Inspired by James Big Jim Reese Europe the charismatic leader of this regimental band of brothers the Hellfighters musical sound was born of racial pride that came from our souls Big Jim’s rousing instrumentals carried the beleaguered Hellfighters through France and 191 days under German siege more than any other American regiment James Reese Europe’s big band sound as one general put it was exactly what this war needed 7
