Jazz

Yesterday's class was craaazy interesting. So much culture packed into one lesson, i could actually feel myself becoming more and more excited throughout the class. The early 1900s were such a captivating time, with some new fad or fashion always rising. I wish i could have experienced it. 

Originating in the 1800s, African American slaves mixed European and African culture to create the beginning of what we now know as Jazz. Jazz became popularized the next century, and was what came to be a mix of blues, ragtime, and marching band music. By the 1920s African Americans began to travel to cities like Chicago, New Orleans,  and New York for better opportunities, and brought their smooth sound along with them. With prohibition in full swing at this time, rebellion rose. Speakeasies were extremely abundant; a place where people could go to escape reality by drinking, dancing, and hearing jazz. Americans embracing jazz, was a clear symbol of rebellion-- deviating from their parent's old fashion views.

The next decade, "big band swing" came fourth, becoming the most popular type of music for the next twenty years. It's sensational beat and swing allowed people to lose their inhibitions… avoid all the trouble that was going on around them, in the real world. Throughout the following years, Americans began to watch more TV, and have less fun dancing. Though jazz records were widely available in stores, people began to give their attention to the new rock and roll they were introduced to. Of course, jazz is a major symbol of the history of our country and will always be significant. Jazz really has revolutionized America in so many ways, and is still a popular type of music that always evokes good feelings.