Meaning: This quote by musician Archie Shepp sheds light on the transient nature of artistic recognition and the shifting cultural landscape in America. Shepp, known for his contributions to the avant-garde jazz movement of the 1960s, reflects on the reception of the music he and his contemporaries created during that era. The quote encapsulates Shepp's observation that while the followers of John Coltrane, a pioneering figure in jazz, were once regarded as important and worthy of study, this recognition was short-lived. Furthermore, Shepp laments that the music he and others played in the '60s has been dismissed and labeled as a "wrong turn" in the United States, suggesting that their efforts were deemed futile or even self-destructive.

During the 1960s, the landscape of jazz music was undergoing significant transformation. Artists such as John Coltrane, Archie Shepp, Ornette Coleman, and others were at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz, exploring new improvisational techniques, and incorporating elements of free jazz and avant-garde experimentation into their music. This period was marked by a spirit of innovation and rebellion against established norms, as musicians sought to break free from the constraints of conventional harmonic and rhythmic structures.

The influence of John Coltrane, a revered saxophonist and composer, was particularly profound during this time. His groundbreaking albums such as "A Love Supreme" and "Ascension" redefined the possibilities of jazz improvisation and spiritual expression. As a result, a dedicated following of musicians and enthusiasts emerged, drawn to Coltrane's revolutionary approach to music.

Archie Shepp, a prominent figure in the avant-garde jazz movement, was deeply influenced by Coltrane's work and sought to further expand the boundaries of the genre. Shepp's own contributions, characterized by intense emotional expression and a willingness to confront social and political issues through his music, aligned with the ethos of the era. However, as Shepp reflects in the quote, the recognition and significance that these developments garnered were short-lived, especially in the context of American cultural reception.

Shepp's assertion that the music of the '60s is "completely dismissed" in the United States highlights a broader pattern of cultural amnesia or neglect when it comes to acknowledging the contributions of avant-garde and experimental artists. Despite the groundbreaking nature of the music created during this period, Shepp suggests that it has been relegated to the margins of mainstream recognition, perceived as a detour from the trajectory of jazz rather than a valid artistic pursuit in its own right.

The quote also speaks to the challenges faced by artists who dare to push the boundaries of convention and explore new artistic territory. The rejection and dismissal experienced by Shepp and his peers reflect a recurring pattern in the history of art, where innovative movements are initially met with resistance before eventually being reassessed and appreciated in a new light.

In conclusion, Archie Shepp's quote offers valuable insight into the ebb and flow of artistic recognition, the transient nature of cultural validation, and the enduring legacy of avant-garde jazz. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and preserving the contributions of artists who challenge the status quo and expand the boundaries of artistic expression, even in the face of initial dismissal or neglect.