I need help on how people influenced us.

I am doing some history homework about the great depression (late 1920's through early 1940's) and I need some future connections like how did Duke Ellington influence us today? Or Walt Disney influence us today...ect. I can't find anything on the internet that says (name) inspired me to be a musician or whatever. I am doing a project on art, literature, radio, and entertainment in the late 1920's to the early 1940's Please help.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz

http://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=jazz+influence+on+american+culture&oq=jazz+influence&gs_l=serp.1.1.0l4.3331.5639.0.11260.10.4.0.6.6.0.100.356.3j1.4.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.4.psy-ab.oW7Th6K_Rxw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=b5d841bb1ab219dc&biw=711&bih=453

Walt Disney pervades today's culture. People flock to its theme parks. Many people only know the old fairy tales as they are presented by Disney movies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/15/arts/15iht-bookjeu.3543092.html?_r=0

Google Woody Guthrie. His 100th birthdate just passed so you should find a lot of artists, like Jackson Brown, etc. that will claim Woody as their muse.

To understand how people from the late 1920s to early 1940s influenced us today, it's important to consider their contributions and how they have shaped various aspects of our society. Here are a few examples of key figures from that time period and how they continue to influence us today:

1. Duke Ellington:
Duke Ellington was a renowned composer, bandleader, and jazz musician during the Harlem Renaissance. He revolutionized jazz music by incorporating elements of classical music and creating a unique sound. Today, his influence can be seen in the continued popularity of jazz music, the incorporation of jazz elements in various musical genres, and the impact he had on future generations of musicians.

To find specific examples of how Duke Ellington influenced contemporary musicians, you can search for interviews or quotes from artists who have cited him as an inspiration. Look for musicians who have highlighted his impact on their musical style, composition techniques, or approach to performance.

2. Walt Disney:
Walt Disney was a pioneer in the animation industry and the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. He brought beloved characters like Mickey Mouse to life and created iconic animated films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney's impact can be seen in today's entertainment industry, particularly with the continued success of Disney animated films, theme parks, and the influence of Disney characters and storytelling in popular culture.

To explore how Walt Disney influenced contemporary filmmakers or artists, you can look for interviews, documentaries, or articles discussing how his innovative storytelling techniques have shaped modern animation or how his business model has had a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

When researching these historical figures, it can also be helpful to examine their body of work, their influence on their respective fields, and any major contributions they made during that time period. By understanding their impact in their own era, you can begin to connect the dots between their influence and its relevance today.