The History of Jazz in the 1930s
Jazz originated around the turn of the 20th century in New Orleans. It was rooted within the African-American community and founded in musical traditions from Africa and the West Indies, but rapidly spread into mainstream culture.
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Early 1930s
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The early 1930s were a difficult period for jazz musicians. The Great Depression left a quarter of the national population out of work, and the music business nearly collapsed. Jelly Roll Morton, a jazz leader, lost nearly everything after moving to New York City. Famous cornet player Buddy "King" Bolden died in the Louisiana State Hospital for the Insane. Jazz pioneer Sidney Bechet opened a tailor shop and pressed clothes for a living.
Swing
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According to documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, swing rescued both jazz and the record industry. In 1932, only 10 million records were sold. Record sales soared to 50 million by 1939. People of all races listened to swing on jukeboxes and radios, and Hollywood used its style as theatrical theme music.
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Late 1930s
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American swing became popular in Europe. Duke Ellington played to adoring crowds across Europe until he reached Germany. The Nazi presence was already strong, and black foreigners and jazz music were both unwelcome. World War II encompassed Europe only months later. However, swing remained popular through the 1940s.
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