The Jazz Ages: Part 2, The Music & Culture

Jazz shaped the United States of the 1920’s. Technological advances of the time allowed for it to spread through every household with ease. New opportunities in the entertainment industry also helped to cultivate Jazz culture by allowing artists to record their records faster. A decade that became synonymous with luxury and lavish party, where Jazz was used as both a coping mechanism for the Great War and as an at of social rebellion.

We previously covered how the young generations separated themselves from the traditional values imposed by elder generations and instead identified themselves by what was happening with the Jazz movement of the 1920’s. Since prohibition was taking place at this time jazz would be playing at all the illegal nightclubs and speakeasies, in fact, the Apollo Theatre became the epicenter for the Jazz scene. The association between Jazz and illegal activities like drinking and partying is what led the younger generations to see it as a form of rebellion. Plus, jazz had a strong tie to black culture, which was hated by the elder generations.

The African American community was one of Jazz’s biggest influences, in fact, many of the new dances that came with the movement were as a result of black culture. Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith are iconic black artists of the time that are now symbols of the Jazz Ages. However, during the 1920’s there was still a lot of racism and white Jazz artists were given more and better time on the radio, resulting in them being more famous than black artists.

Another cultural symbol of the Jazz Ages is the appearance of flappers. Young women with boyish haircuts, red lips and short lose dresses ruled the Jazz scene during the 20’s. The same way music did, fashion became a medium of rebellion, especially for women. They no longer identified themselves as women destined to be quiet, pure and decorative housewives. Instead, they dressed like boys, smoked cigarettes in public, partied all night and didn’t rely on male escorts to move around.

Jazz went to influence other industries, the cultural shift gave way to iconic art movements like Art Deco, Surrealist and Expressionist movements. It also influenced Hollywood, helping to shape what would later be known as the Golden Age of Cinema. Technology advanced enough for people to begin working in animation, which is why in 1928 we were introduced to our beloved Mickey Mouse. It was also a decade that experienced a lot of European influence since many people traveled to and from Europe, bringing many of their movements to the US.

The Jazz Ages were an iconic decade, it’s atmosphere is represented in so many literary works like The Great Gatsby as an example. Many authors and artists found inspiration in the movement that came with the music. If you wish to explore their works or more about this era, check out our online library  www.vujar.com.