American Popular Music

Jazz music is an integral part of American history. Born of oppression and built upon improvisation, it transcends racial divisions and evolves with the times. This work follows the history and development of jazz through the years, monitoring a genre in musical history that remains vital and dynamic to American popular culture as we know it.

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Jazz music is an integral part of American history. Born of oppression and built upon improvisation, it transcends racial divisions and continuously evolves with the times. Originating in New Orleans, jazz migrated north during the Roaring Twenties, ignited by the Hot Jazz of Louis Armstrong. During the Great Depression, Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson brought the captivating sounds of Harlem nightclubs to dance halls across the country and helped usher in the Swing Era. As music tastes changed and rock and roll emerged during the 1950s, Miles Davis initiated a new era in jazz and a legacy that lives on today. In 450 entries, ""American Popular Music: Jazz"" follows the history and development of jazz through the years, monitoring a genre in musical history that remains vital and dynamic to American popular culture as we know it.