Jazz

Jazz music, developed between 1890 and the early 1900s, was based on Mississippi River boat music, African-American, French and Spanish piano music, African rhythms and American band traditions. Two key elements of jazz are rhythm and improvisation. To improvise means to create music as you play it (adding your own original ideas in the process) rather than playing music that has already been written. Many people consider jazz to be the most creative form of expression in American music.

Jazz became increasingly popular in the 1920s during a period called the Harlem Renaissance, when many black musicians, performers, artists, writers and poets expressed themselves creatively through their art. One of the most popular clubs, The Cotton Club, was a hot spot for black jazz musicians. However, the club did not allow black music lovers to enjoy the jazz performed there; they only allowed whites in the audience.

Two of the most famous and influential black jazz musicians during that time were Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, legendary singers who sometimes performed together. Other famous jazz musicians include Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billie Holiday.

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