The Influence Of Jazz Music In The 1920's

The 1920’s, often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties” or “Jazz Age”, was a time period where jazz music became increasingly popular and ubiquitous throughout the United States. The “Roaring Twenties” was a decade full of economic prosperity after World War l ended. It was a time of growth in political and social aspects, in the entertainment and music industry, and for different races. Jazz music in the 1920’s through the 1930’s had a significant influence on America, from the musicians who acquired affluence and popularity, to the societal development from speakeasies and flappers, and the lessening distance between races due to collaboration in the music industry. The Jazz Age had many jazz greats which mostly consisted of African American musicians. African American jazz musicians had a crucial role in the increasing popularity of jazz music and the social and cultural influences on American society. “The most famous jazz musician of the decade and possibly of all time was Louis Armstrong. Armstrong was a popular African American jazz musician who played the trumpet and cornet and was known for his distinct and gravelly singing

”...a New Orleans jazz musician noted that in Chicago or New York a sideman could earn between $40.00 and $50.00 per week at the top cabarets- considerably more than the average wage- however, if he was in New Orleans he could expect to earn between $1.25 and $2.50 per engagement” (aleishaward). Musicians earned more in northern states than they did in southern states. These statistics are based on average musicians income, but Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made significantly more money. In today’s money, Louis Armstrong made about $31,000 per week and performed in Chicago and New York (celebworth). Duke Ellington made about $8,000 per week and performed in New York (NCERT). Both jazz musicians acquired affluence through their increasing popularity throughout the