Musicians began playing jazz in speakeasies, which were illicit nightclubs that allowed people to drink alcohol, which was outlawed at the time. It was also a place for people to hear and dance to new music. Other places musicians were able to find work were recording studios and radio networks. And when these companies realized they had an audience, jazz increased in popularity and gained national influence. Censorship quickly followed this popularity. Prohibition supporters wanted to restrict jazz like alcohol, because they feared that it could have the same corruptive effects. They led anti jazz “crusades” and passed legislation barring jazz music in clubs. Their attempts at subduing the music were unsuccessful. Jazz was becoming mainstream. Louis Armstrong was one of the genre’s first big stars, and some of his most popular works include “Chimes Blues” (which created “swing”), “Star Dust”, “La Vie En Rose”, and “What a Wonderful World” (“Louis Armstrong Biography”). He is considered to be “one of the most influential artists in jazz history” (Louis Armstrong Biography”).
Another transformative figure of the genre is Duke Ellington. He was a classically trained pianist, and moved his band to New York City. The combination of his artistic talent and non-threatening persona led to his popularity. Some of his popular works include “Jubilee Stomp” and “The Mooche”. There were white national stars as well, which include Paul Whiteman, and George Gershwin. Gershwin’s music is still very popular today, especially “Rhapsody in