Jazz

Jazz originated during the early 20th century in small black communities located in the deep south. Its African beginnings are evident in its use of improvisation and incorporation of blues style notes. As we learned in class, Jazz exploded in the United States during the Prohibition Era in alcohol fueled speakeasies. Jazz quickly gained an the reputation of extremely immoral music. Older generations viewed the free form improvisational rhythms as threatening to established values. Criticisms aside, Jazz continued to evolve and grow, leaving its mark on society.