Histoy of the jazz age

Essay by inflames2347Junior High, 9th gradeA+, April 2004

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The decade of the 1920's, called the Jazz Age, was one of the most exciting and creative times in U.S. history. The history of the Jazz Age reflects the African American music that came out of the American South. There were many important musicians who became famous in the Jazz Age, such as Duke Ellington. The Jazz Age made a big impact on other parts of American culture besides music, such as literature and painting. It also led to such important cultural changes as the Harlem Renaissance in New York City.

To understand the Jazz Age, it is important to understand the history of the music that gave its name to the Roaring Twenties. That music came from ragtime and blues that were part of the African American music in the South. Bands in New Orleans played the new styles of jazz that became popular on the radio.

They improvised music that really expressed the spirit and strong feelings of the times when Americans wanted to forget about the suffering of World War I and have fun.

There were many great musicians who became famous during the Jazz Age. One of the most well-known musicians was Duke Ellington. He was born in Washington D.C in 1899 and was able to support himself by playing the piano at Washington clubs when he was only 17. Fats Waller, a famous jazz musician, persuaded him to move to New York City where they formed a band that played at the Hollywood Club. Ellington went on to become known best as a bandleader and as a composer of great songs such as his theme song, "Take the A Train." Other famous jazz musicians included Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the trumpet player, and George Gershwin, the composer.

In addition to making big...