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Al Capone - Gangster
Al Capone was perhaps the most notorious gangster in history. Capone contributed to the history of Jazz through prohibition. He created a multi-million dollar business by bootlegging alcohol. Capone actually owned a Jazz Orchestra at the Chicago Metropole Hotel. -
The Birth of Jazz
Jazz was first introduced in the very late 1800's-1900's in New Orleans. Jazz music is a combination of Ragtime, marching band music and blues. Some will say that Jazz was born in 1895, when Buddy Bolden started his first band. Others will say 1917, when Nick LaRocca and his Original Dixieland Jazz Band recorded the first Jazz record, "Livery Stable Blues. -
The Birth of Louis Armstrong
One of the most important figures in American history, Louis Armstong, was an incredibly influential jazz trumpet player and singer from New Orleans.He is considered the most important soloist to emerge in Jazz. He is also one of the first scat singers and is responsible for its popularization. -
The First Jazz Band
The Original Dixieland Jass Band recorded the first recordings in early 1917. Livery Stable Blues was the first album ever released. -
The Start of the Jazz Age
The Jazz Age began as World War One had finished, and finished at the start of the Great Depression. It was the start of a time period of fast music, and an even faster society. Jazz music is a combination of Ragtime, marching band music and blues. -
Prohibition in America
Prohibition began in January of 1920, with the 18th Amendment. It prohibited the production, importation, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. That's when people created secret clubs, where people could purchase and consume alcohol. Many Jazz bands would perform inside said avenues. Prohibition was repealed in December 1933, with the 21st Amendment. -
Women during the Jazz Age
Women wanted to be seen as individuals outside of their familial roles. Jazz provided an outlet for rebellion in several ways. The dance halls, jazz clubs, and speakeasies were places where women could escape from the traditional roles that were demanded of them by a rigid society. Here, women were allowed greater freedom in their language, clothing, and behavior. Women began going to bars, drinking, smoking and wearing more revealing clothing. -
Flappers
The Jazz Age brought to light a new type of woman. She was energetic, free-spirited, and didn't give a damn about what people thought of her. She drank, danced, smoked, and got the right to vote. Flappers became very popular women to interact with at parties. -
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby was originally published during the Jazz Age. The novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald writes about the Jazz Age in language that beautifully evokes music. Fun fact, Fitzgerald was the one who actually named the 1920's as, "The Jazz Age."