Jazz

Jazz begins in New Orleans, 19th century America's most cosmopolitan city.

Speakeasies, flappers, and easy money.

In the 1920s, jazz is everywhere, and for the first time soloists and singers take center stage.

In 1929 as the Great Depression begins, New York is now America's jazz capital.

As the Great Depression drags on, jazz comes as close as it has ever come to being America's popular music.

As the 1930's come to a close, Swing-mania is still going strong, but some fans are saying success has made the music too predictable.

When America enters World War II, jazz is part of the arsenal.

The postwar years bring prosperity, but the Cold War threat makes these anxious years as well.

For jazz, the late 1950s is a period of transition when old stars like Billie Holiday and Lester Young will burn out while young talents arise to take the music in new directions.

During the Sixties, jazz is in trouble.