What kind of music did people listen to in the 1920s?
Jazz music dominated what historians refer to as the Roaring Twenties. This “devil’s music,” an African American genre influenced by blues, was embraced in speakeasies in Chicago and in Broadway musicals in New York City.JazzJazz music became the most popular genre of music in the United States in the 1920’s. Both a descendant and cousin of blues, jazz developed in the late 19th century in its earliest form, ragtime.SpeakeasiesThe passing of the Prohibition Act in 1919 prompted gangsters to open illegal nightclubs, known as speakeasies, for people to buy alcohol. Jazz music was the music of choice in speakeasies.MisconceptionsDuring the 1920’s, jazz had many critics. According to PBS, music educators and The New York Times were critical of what was referred to as “the devil’s music.” Jazz went on to be recognized as one of America’s most culturally important inventions.Broaday MusicalsJazz music was also the music of choice in Broadway musicals during the 1920’s.
