How Jazz and Hey Arnold! are related to be a popular icon of music and culture

I grew up in the 90s. That's clear with today's topic. Previously, I've done a post on "Hey Arnold!", but back then I focused much more on the cinematic aspect of the animated series, and not so much on the cultural and especially the musical aspect. Today, on the other hand, I will make an effort to explain why this cartoon is the penultimate window to link Jazz as an almost extinct and forgotten genre with the general public; mainly children, who grew up admiring the adventures of this bright boy from New York.

From the opening of this series, to the incidental music that helps the characters' actions within the plot, jazz is the Alpha and the Omega. It is present at every stage and brings the dialogue to life, it helps to empathise with the feelings experienced by those involved and above all, it suddenly shows what a marvel it is to know how to musicalise. It is no coincidence that in the 90's the best series and cartoons were made with genres such as rock, jazz and soul.

Let's review a bit, "Power Ranger: Mighty Morphin", i.e. the first and best generation of this show, will always be remembered for the powerful and unique theme song that started each episode. A composition that was entirely made with the influence of heavy metal. Not far behind them is "Goosebumps", which had an intro full of mystery, suspense and an aura of haunting electronic music with an industrial influence; a sub-genre of that style.

We arrive at "Hey Arnold" where the classics of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk and other jazz masters unleash the beauty that is already a children's series in itself. Honestly, I doubt very much that a channel like Nickelodeon could produce something of such quality as Arnold's little ball-head was. Continuing in the same vein, and even though they weren't really from the 80's, "The Knights of the Zodiac" was an unparalleled reference in terms of music. Ranging from rock, to synthwave and pop, this anime is an example of how to musicalise a series.

And what about Dragon Ball Z? The jewel in the crown in my opinion. The magic of rock, but at the service of children. Perhaps for these reasons, those of my generation are so attracted to these genres. In retrospect, it was quite inevitable not to feel an almost unbreakable bond and attachment to these styles of music. Jazz is a genre that historically and culturally has belonged to the great scholars of music as such....

It is studied in conservatories and is the representation of quality itself as far as music is concerned. In fact, Charlie Parker's phrase is "Real musicians play jazz; those who don't, rock...". Leaving uninterpreted what he really meant or what it means to this illustrious and iconic jazz musician. Nowadays, I couldn't say how things are or how the shows that boys and girls watch are being set to music, but I doubt very much that it contains the richness that I was fortunate enough to enjoy.

I'm not saying or claiming that my era was better or worse than anyone else's, I'm just pointing out that, particularly my taste, variety, love and diversity in music, most probably started with "Hey Arnold!" and the other references I've mentioned. Like the good and impactful things that happen to us in life, what we like as children, we will most likely like all our lives. I end by mentioning a friend, and this post goes to her; @noelyss, maybe you don't have the slightest idea what I'm talking about, but for some reason I thought of you.