In 1917, the first jazz record, recorded by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, an all-white musical group from New Orleans, played a major role in introducing jazz to white America. It became the first million-selling record in history.
African-American musicians didn’t get record deals back then, but African-American military bands took the sound of jazz to Europe during the war. After the Armistice, jazz swept the world, bringing a number of African-American musicians and singers to prominence, most notably Louis Armstrong.
- Listen now:
Playlist:
Fanfare
Opening Theme
“Livery Stable Blues”
Composed in 1917 by Ray Lopez and Alcide Nunez. Public domain.
Performed by The Original Dixieland Jass Band. Public domain recording. Thank you, Adam Cuerden. Source.
Rhapsody in Blue
Composed in 1924 by George Gershwin. Public domain.
Performed by the United States Marine Band. Public domain recording. Source.
Closing Theme
Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.