The Role Of Jazz In The 1920's

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Pages: 3

Jazz in the 1920’s

The 1920’s was the decade of change in the United States. During these 10 years women got more rights, the 18th amendment was ratified, jazz music became increasingly known, and many types of entertainment began to show up. The growing popularity of jazz music in the 1920’s caused many changes in society such as a new integration of African Americans and White’s, a gained respect for African Americans, and a new way for people to express themselves.
One of the largest effects of jazz music in the 1920’s was the integration of African Americans and Whites. Throughout many cities, such as Kansas City, New York City, and New Orleans, African American jazz musicians were requested to play in dance and jazz halls/clubs. The people didn’t care anymore if the musician was a white man or black man playing; they just wanted something to dance to. With this, African Americans were no longer as segregated as they had been just 10 years ago. They now went to the same clubs, cabarets and dance halls as White men did. Although, some areas in the South were still reluctant to let go of the past, a majority of the North was ready for a new era.
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Instead of people seeing African Americans as slaves or unequal, they were seen in a new light. Many jazz musicians were African Americans, such as Louie Armstrong. Louie Armstrong was one of the best, and well-known, jazz musicians of his time. White men and black men alike respected him. People did not care that he was a different race, they cared that he was amazing at what he did. Louie and his mentor, Joe “King” Oliver, played all over the US. And everywhere they went they were loved. It was not only them that were respected, but also Duke Ellington, Edward “Kid” Ory, Earl Hines, and many more. These men proved themselves in the eyes of others so they were