MUSC 1800: Popular MusicExamples for 1920s Jazz

Dr. Matthew C. SaundersLakeland Community College

C-1078

1920s

• Historical Events:– World War I (ended 1918)• Led to American economic and political dominance

– Prohibition (1917-1933)• Alcohol illegal by constitutional amendment

– “Roaring 20s”• Era of economic growth and change• Modernization

Jazz• Developed in New Orleans, ca. 1900

Buddy Bolden (back row, 2nd from left)The Original Dixieland Jazz Band

Two examples:

• Original Dixieland Jazz Band:– Livery Stable Blues (1917): http://

youtu.be/5WojNaU4-kI

• King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band:– Buddy’s Habits (1923):http://youtu.be/IxEQ28Ll4FM

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)• Cornet player, singer, composer• Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five: “

West End Blues,” 1928• Live, 1962: “A Kiss to Build a Dream On”

Paul Whiteman “The King of Jazz”

• (1890-1967)• Ambassador

Orchestra• Sweet bands: the

“Safe” version of jazz• Top recording artist

of the 1920s

“Sweet Jazz”

• “Whispering,” 1920• “After You’ve Gone,” 1929

(vocal by Bing Crosby)– Compare to

Bessie Smith’s version, 1927