1921-1930:
Jazz Gains Steam
Louis Armstrong, musician of the era
By 1921, the most prominent form of jazz was Dixieland. Dixieland featured a collection of instrumentalists that would play the melody of the song, then expand upon the melody by improvising variations. Until 1922, it was only white bands that were given recording labels. However in 1922 the Okeh Record Corporation put out recordings of the blues singer, Mamie Smith.
The 1920s are known as the jazz age, as jazz music became the popular music among the youth of America. Jazz music fueled a cultural movement in this decade as well, and was controversial among parents. Jazz was commonly cited as the cause of inappropriate dancing and an instigator of sexual activity. It was the music associated with the flappers, and often was blamed for perceived rebellion of the younger generation. A music critic, Ernest Newman, wrote an article in 1927 called "Debunking Jazz," that spoke of how the music form was no longer even considered music by the public in England, and that it only remained popular in the US due to its popularity for dancing purposes.
African American Culture had a strong influence in the dancing aspect of Jazz. Dances inspired by African dance moves such as the turkey trot, shimmy, chicken scratch, monkey glide and bunny hug became popular first in Vaudeville shows and among exhibition dancers, and later with the public.
The 1920s are known as the jazz age, as jazz music became the popular music among the youth of America. Jazz music fueled a cultural movement in this decade as well, and was controversial among parents. Jazz was commonly cited as the cause of inappropriate dancing and an instigator of sexual activity. It was the music associated with the flappers, and often was blamed for perceived rebellion of the younger generation. A music critic, Ernest Newman, wrote an article in 1927 called "Debunking Jazz," that spoke of how the music form was no longer even considered music by the public in England, and that it only remained popular in the US due to its popularity for dancing purposes.
African American Culture had a strong influence in the dancing aspect of Jazz. Dances inspired by African dance moves such as the turkey trot, shimmy, chicken scratch, monkey glide and bunny hug became popular first in Vaudeville shows and among exhibition dancers, and later with the public.
Broadway in its Prime
Ethel Waters, singer from "Blackbirds"
Also during this decade, Broadway was in its prime. On average, 50 new musicals opened up every season, and record numbers of people attended each show. Due to the large profits that the shows were taking in, the producers of the shows were able to focus on making quality entertainment. Two examples of shows during this era - "No, No, Nanette" and "Sally."
Black performers also started to appear in some shows. In 1928, a series of revues known as "Blackbirds," were staged. They produced and directed by Lew Leslie, a white man. The shows featured singers Ethel Waters and Lena Horne, dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and comedian Tim Moore. Although the shows featured black performers, they were created exclusively by white writers and composers. Leslie claimed that "They (white men) understand the colored man better than he does himself."
Black performers also started to appear in some shows. In 1928, a series of revues known as "Blackbirds," were staged. They produced and directed by Lew Leslie, a white man. The shows featured singers Ethel Waters and Lena Horne, dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and comedian Tim Moore. Although the shows featured black performers, they were created exclusively by white writers and composers. Leslie claimed that "They (white men) understand the colored man better than he does himself."
Popular songs of the era:
West End Blues- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojs6_2pZVME
Pine Top's Boogie Woogie- whttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflpOsDdLVk
West End Blues- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojs6_2pZVME
Pine Top's Boogie Woogie- whttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflpOsDdLVk