The Best Jazz Music from the 20s

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s is a compilation of the best jazz music from the 1920s. This music is perfect for any occasion.

Introduction

The 1920s were a very important decade for the development of Jazz music. Many of the people who pioneered the genre were born in this decade, and it was during this time that Jazz began to take shape and evolve into the music we know today.

The following is a list of some of the best Jazz albums from the 1920s. These are all essential listening for anyone interested in this style of music.

1. Red Hot Pepper – King Oliver
2. TheCreole Rhapsody – Duke Ellington
3. Black Bottom Stomp – Jelly Roll Morton
4. Singin’ the Blues – Bix Beiderbecke
5. West End Blues – Louis Armstrong

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s

The music of the 20s was defined by jazz. This style of music originated in African American communities in the southern United States, and it quickly spread throughout the country. Jazz was characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and blue notes. The best jazz musicians of the 20s included Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 1

The 20s was the decade when jazz took the music world by storm. Jazz was a new style of music that emerged from the African American community in the early 20th century. It was characterized by its unique rhythms and improvisational style. Jazz quickly spread from its origins in New Orleans to other parts of the United States, and soon became popular around the world.

There were many great jazz musicians in the 20s, but here are ten of the best.

1. Louis Armstrong
2. Duke Ellington
3. Bessie Smith
4. Jelly Roll Morton
5. Sidney Bechet
6. King Oliver
7. Earl Hines
8. Fats Waller
9. Billie Holiday
10. Coleman Hawkins

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 2

The 20s was a golden era for jazz music, with some of the genre’s most iconic figures emerging during this period. In part two of our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we take a look at five more essential tracks from this decade.

1. “Puttin’ On The Ritz” by Fred Astaire

This classic track from 1928 is one of Fred Astaire’s most well-known recordings. Featuring a catchy melody and Astaire’s signature dance moves, it’s easy to see why this track has become an enduring jazz standard.

2. “Terrible T” by Jelly Roll Morton

Composed by legendary jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, “Terrible T” is a fast-paced ragtime tune that perfectly captures the energy and excitement of the 20s jazz scene.

3. “Dinah” by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five

A hugely popular track from 1925, “Dinah” features Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals, backed by his group the Hot Five. With its catchy melody and infectious chorus, it’s easy to see why this track became one of the most iconic songs of the 20s.

4. “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller

One of the biggest hits of the decade, “Ain’t Misbehavin'” was composed by Fats Waller in 1929 and became an instant classic. Featuring Waller’s distinctive piano playing and vocals, it’s a fun and upbeat track that perfectly captures the spirit of the 20s.

5. “Tea For Two” by Vincent Youmans & Irving Caesar

One of the most popular standards of all time, “Tea For Two” was composed in 1924 by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar. A beautiful ballad with a memorable melody, it remains one of the most beloved tracks from the 20s jazz era.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 3

As we move into the third and final part of our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we’re going to take a look at some of the artists who were influenced by the sounds of New Orleans. These artists took the foundation that was laid by early pioneers like Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong and built upon it, creating a new sound that would come to be known as swing. While swing would go on to become one of the most popular musical genres of the 20th century, it was still very much in its infancy in the early 1920s. These artists were true innovators, and their recordings stand as a testament to the creative power of jazz.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 4

In the fourth and final installment of our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we take a look at some of the most influential artists of the decade. These are the musicians who defined the sound of jazz and helped to shape the genre into what it is today. If you’re a fan of jazz music, then you’ll definitely want to check out these artists!

-Louis Armstrong:One of the most famous and influential jazz musicians of all time, Louis Armstrong was a master trumpeter, singer, and bandleader. He was one of the first jazz musicians to achieve mainstream success, and his style influenced countless other artists.

-Duke Ellington: Another hugely influential figure in jazz, Duke Ellington was a brilliant composer, bandleader, and pianist. He led one of the most popular and innovative bands of the 20s, and his music helped to define the Swing Era.

-Bessie Smith: Often referred to as “the Empress of Blues”, Bessie Smith was one of the most popular blues singers of the 20s. She had a powerful voice and a distinctive style that influenced many later artists.

-Jelly Roll Morton: A true pioneer of jazz, Jelly Roll Morton was one of the first composers to write down his tunes so that they could be performed by other musicians. He was also an innovative bandleader and pianist, and his music helped to shape early jazz styles.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 5

The 1920s was an exciting decade for jazz music. A new style of music, called swing, was born and many famous jazz musicians emerged. In this article, we will countdown the best jazz music from the 1920s.

5. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller
This song was released in 1929 and became one of the most popular songs of the decade. It is a fun and upbeat tune that is perfect for a party or any other fun event.

4. “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington is one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time and “Mood Indigo” is one of his most popular songs. It was released in 1930 and it has a very unique sound that is still loved by many today.

3. “Sittin’ on Top of the World” by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is another one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time. This song was released in 1930 and it features Armstrong’s signature vocal style. It is a very upbeat and positive song that will definitely put a smile on your face.

2. “Sweet Georgia Brown” by Django Reinhardt
Django Reinhardt was a French jazz guitarist who rose to fame in the 1930s. This song was released in 1935 and it showcases Reinhardt’s impressive guitar skills. It is a very catchy tune that will stick in your head for days.

1. “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman is one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time and this song is his most famous composition. It was released in 1936 and it features an impressive saxophone solo from Goodman himself. It is an incredibly catchy tune that will get your feet tapping along with the beat

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 6

As we conclude our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we present the final installment – Part 6. This time, we’ll be focusing on the dark and rich sounds of the genre, specifically those that emerged from its heartland, New Orleans.

Some of the most iconic and well-known jazz recordings come from New Orleans artists, such as Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet. These artists took the sound of jazz and infused it with their own unique style and flavor, creating something truly special.

If you’re a fan of dark, rich sounding jazz music, then these recordings from the 20s are definitely for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy some of the best music the genre has to offer.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 7

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 7
In the final instalment of our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we take a look at some of the most influential and significant recordings from this seminal decade in jazz history.

Part 7: The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 7
In the final instalment of our series on the best jazz music from the 20s, we take a look at some of the most influential and significant recordings from this seminal decade in jazz history.

As we come to the end of our series, it’s important to reiterate that these are simply some of the best-known and most influential recordings from the 1920s – there are many more great recordings out there waiting to be discovered! So, whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or just getting started, get digging and see what treasures you can find.

The Best Jazz Music from the 20s – Part 8

The best jazz music from the 20s was truly groundbreaking. Artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Jelly Roll Morton pushed the boundaries of what was possible with their innovative styles and techniques. While many of these artists are still widely celebrated today, there are some who have been forgotten over time. In this series, we will take a look at some of the best jazz music from the 20s that you may not have heard before.

Part 8:

1. “West End Blues” by Louis Armstrong
2. “In a Sentimental Mood” by Duke Ellington
3. “Black Bottom Stomp” by Jelly Roll Morton
4. “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington
5. “Walkin’ the Dog” by Willie “The Lion” Smith

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