Jazz
10 episodes
1. Gumbo (Beginnings to 1917)
1. Gumbo (Beginnings to 1917)
Jazz begins in New Orleans, 19th century America's most cosmopolitan city.
1 h 26 min
Jan 8, 2001
2. The Gift (1917 - 1924)
2. The Gift (1917 - 1924)
Speakeasies, flappers, and easy money.
1 h 46 min
Jan 7, 2001
3. Our Language (1924 - 1929)
3. Our Language (1924 - 1929)
In the 1920s, jazz is everywhere, and for the first time soloists and singers take center stage.
1 h 59 min
Jan 7, 2001
4. The True Welcome (1929 - 1934)
4. The True Welcome (1929 - 1934)
In 1929 as the Great Depression begins, New York is now America's jazz capital.
1 h 59 min
Jan 7, 2001
5. Swing: Pure Pleasure (1935 - 1937)
5. Swing: Pure Pleasure (1935 - 1937)
As the Great Depression drags on, jazz comes as close as it has ever come to being America's popular music.
1 h 26 min
Jan 7, 2001
6. Swing: The Velocity of Celebration (1937 - 1939)
6. Swing: The Velocity of Celebration (1937 - 1939)
As the 1930's come to a close, Swing-mania is still going strong, but some fans are saying success has made the music too predictable.
1 h 41 min
Jan 7, 2001
7. Dedicated to Chaos (1940 - 1945)
7. Dedicated to Chaos (1940 - 1945)
When America enters World War II, jazz is part of the arsenal.
1 h 55 min
Jan 7, 2001
8. Risk (1945 - 1955)
8. Risk (1945 - 1955)
The postwar years bring prosperity, but the Cold War threat makes these anxious years as well.
1 h 59 min
Jan 7, 2001
9. The Adventure (1955-1960)
9. The Adventure (1955-1960)
For jazz, the late 1950s is a period of transition when old stars like Billie Holiday and Lester Young will burn out while young talents arise to take the music in new directions.
1 h 51 min
Jan 7, 2001
10. A Masterpiece By Midnight (1961 - PRESENT)
10. A Masterpiece By Midnight (1961 - PRESENT)
During the Sixties, jazz is in trouble.
1 h 48 min
Jan 7, 2001
