The Influence Of Jazz Music In The 1920's

The 1920s started a new era in music known as the jazz era. Saxophones were just recently accepted by modern audiences instead of being used in only military bands (Verity). The saxophone was created by Adolphe Sax in 1840 and is a reeded instrument made of brass. Because it is made of brass, it fits in very well with other brass instruments, like trumpet and trombone that were very popular in bands. It is also a reeded instrument which allows it to have a voice-like quality and great range of tonal expression (“The Saxophone Corner.”). Louis Armstrong is known as one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz music, and became popular during the 1920’s with his unique style on trumpet (Biography.com Editors). Armstrong influenced many musicians throughout his lifestyle, one of those being Sidney Bechet. Bechet is credited with introducing the saxophone to jazz music; he started on soprano saxophone in New Orleans (“Sidney Bechet.”). Bechet became very popular in early jazz with a
The music, the dance, the fashion, the crime, the technology. With the start of the jazz era, jazz music influenced the literary world, fashion, and racial viewpoints on African Americans. Jazz poetry was introduced in the twenties: a form of literature that was influenced by the rhythm and style of jazz music (“Jazz Poetry: A Genre Emerges.”). Jazz music created a craze for new fashion as well, women wanted to participate in the swing dances of the twenties, so flappers came into style with short dresses and beads (“Jazz: Dictator of Fashion.”). How African American’s were viewed in society changed as well. Many of the most well known and respected jazz musicians were African American, including: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Joe “King” Oliver, Sidney Bechet, Jelly Roll Morton, and many more (“Jazz Greats of the 1920s.”). Music was culturally diverse, and people of all races would join in the excitement of jazz