History of Modern Pop Music 1920s

Study Notes

The Roaring 20s

The decade saw a cultural boom despite the Great Depression starting late in the 1920s and lasting through the 1930s.
Genres dominating the era included jazz, blues, big band, swing, and country, often reflecting societal challenges while maintaining an upbeat tone.
Optimism and lively music characterized the post-World War I period, despite Prohibition laws in the U.S.

Dance Bands and Speakeasies

Prohibition of alcohol in 1920 led to the rise of speakeasies, which were secret bars that served illicit drinks and hosted live music.
Speakeasies grew into larger venues, including clubs and private dance halls, fostering a vibrant party culture.
Dance music became central to social life, with local dance bands playing popular tunes and encouraging communal dancing.

Louis Armstrong

Born in 1901, Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo, was a pivotal figure in jazz music, renowned as a trumpeter and vocalist.
His career spanned five decades, contributing significantly to the evolution of jazz from the 1920s through the 1960s.
Armstrong was associated with prominent groups like the Creole Jazz Band and the Fletcher Henderson Band.

Jelly Roll Morton

Jelly Roll Morton, born Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe in 1890, was a crucial figure in the development of modern jazz.
Recognized as jazz's first arranger, he demonstrated that improvisational music could be effectively notated.
His influence in the 1920s helped shape the jazz genre, blending elements of ragtime and more sophisticated forms of music.

Popular Dances of the 1920s

Iconic dances included the Charleston, Black Bottom, Shimmy, Foxtrot, and Lindy Hop, largely set to what is now known as Big Band music.
The Charleston, introduced in the 1923 Broadway show "Runnin' Wild," became the most iconic dance of the era.
Dance competitions emerged, becoming a popular form of entertainment, with couples dancing for extended periods for prizes.

Dance Competitions and Fashion Influence

Dance marathons were popular, with contestants often dancing for days, showcasing the exuberance of the decade's culture.
Dance music influenced fashion trends, leading to looser, more casual clothing styles, like Flapper dresses for women and relaxed sportswear for men.

The Cultural Impact of Jazz

Jazz originated in the early 1900s within the Black community in New Orleans, blending European and African musical elements.
The genre relied heavily on improvisation and had a profound cultural influence, shaping fashion, youth culture, dances, and racial dynamics of the time.
Key figures included not only Louis Armstrong but also Duke Ellington, a significant bandleader and pianist who contributed to popular music development.

Description

Explore the evolution of modern popular music during the 1920s, known as the Roaring 20s. This era was marked by the rise of jazz, big band, and swing, even as the Great Depression loomed. Discover how musicians reflected societal hardships while maintaining an upbeat spirit in their songs.