Introduction Jazz History 1920's Style


Louis Daniel Armstrong "Satchmo" (1901 - 1971) was one of the GREATEST JAZZ MUSICIANS! He was from New Orleans, which was where "jazz" orginated, while there Louis worked as a musician on riverboats.Afterwards, he became a member of Fletcher Henderson's group. He studied and played with a famed cornet player named Joseph "King Oliver" Oliver (1885 - 1938). Later, in 1922 Louis joined the Creole Jazz Band at Lincoln Gardens in Chicago. Later on in New York, Louis, had his first recording was with Clarence Williams & The Red Onion Jazz Babies. In 1925, he moved back to Chicago and joined his wife's band at the DreamLand, he also played in the Venodrome Orchestra. 1925 was when Louis Armstrong started to make records under his own name.
















Freda Josephine Carson better known as Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906. She was a talented singer & dancer. Josephine became a street performer at age 13, she then joined the Dixie Steppers, vaudeville troupe. During the early 20's Ms.Baker eased her way onto a Paris stage. She was known for her barely-there dresses and dance routines. Her exotic looks brought upon many nicknames such as: Black Pearl, Black Creole, and Creole Goddess. In 1925, she starred in La Revue Negre. Her musical style was enigmatic and strictly her own. She wrapped her voice around countless torch songs and Golden Age Classics. She was very popular throughout certain areas of the world. Josephine performed for Troops during WWII and she wa san honorable corresspondent for the French Resistence, and sub-lieutenant in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Josephine died in Paris in 1975 while in a deep coma.

















Edward Kennedy Ellington (1899-1974) better known as the famous Duke Ellington was an American composer, conductor, & pianist; he wa sone of the most respected figures in Jazz History Duke played professionally since the age of 17. In 1917, Duke formed his first group, The Duke Serenders later known as The Washingtonians Duke moved to New York City in 1923, and organized a 10pc Band, within the same year Duke made his first recording. Before his death Duke wrote and recorded hundreds of musical compositions. His greatest works included "Rockin in Rhythm" and "Satin Doll"

















Bessie Smith "the Empress of the Blues & Jazz" always stunned the crowd with her great singing. She had an ability to control her voice set her apart from the shouters. She was able to control her inflection, moaning, growling, lyricism, and clearly demonstarted versatility. Bessie song in a seductive and powerful voice. Bessie Smith was a best selling vocalist. ALthough very talented she never had much success with the white audiences, unlike Louis Armstrong etc, which is why her career couldn't progress as much as her talent would have let her.












John Birks (1917-1993) better known in the world of Jazz as Dizzie Gillespie. Dizzie earned his nickname because of his jokes on stage, hilarious ways of announcing at concerts, and his surrealistic scat lingo made a lot of people wonder about his sanity. Dizzie joined the orchestra of Teddy Hill in New York and played at the Moulin Rouge. In the late 30's he started to work with great jazz personalities such as Ella Fritzgerald Thelonious Monk & Fletcher Henderson Dizzy Gillespie wa sone of the first musician to incorporate a lot of Latin afro-cuban elements like calypso, boler,rhumba with a touch of merengue and a piece of tango, into the traditional Jazz lingo. Dizze was an excellent trumpeter with a particular style, as well as a, singer and band leader.