The post-war 1920s was the era of prohibition, gangsters, speakeasies, flappers, big band music, and the Harlem Renaissance. It’s here we see the evolution of jazz into an important part of American popular culture. As the primitive jazz sound originating in New Orleans becomes diversified, we see the rise of Chicago style, stride piano, The Charleston, new distinctions of “Hot” and “Sweet”, and most notably, jazz begins to swing, reflecting the vibrancy and creativity of the era. African Americans could finally see the possibility of the great American promise, and a cultural rebirth was underway. After years of the Klan trying to crush their spirit and aspirations, “the new negro” would abandon any hope of help from white America and look …show more content…
Jazz grew, morals loosened, and dancing became huge; a cultural backlash to what was viewed as a ridiculous law. Jazz represented high times; the spirit of the age and music of the people (film). It’s growing appeal now penetrating every echelon of society, black and white alike. African American status is elevated with the popularity of jazz, and for the first time in American’s history, that which was previously considered "bottom-culture" has risen up and become a highly-desirable and sought-after commodity in society. (purple page) Despite its popularity integration was still a long way off. Black and white bands could not play side by side in any clubs. Whites could go to black clubs, but blacks weren’t welcome in white clubs. Musicians, however, had respect for each other and white musicians sometime would come to blacks clubs after closing to play with black musicians. Musicians didn’t care about color, only how you sound (film). While discrimination and racism were commonplace in the music industry, the music played by black jazz performers was finding appreciation among many white music fans, helping to create a foothold that African Americans would use to advance civil rights in the decades to