The Jazz Legends

One of the most influential products of the Harlem Renaissance was the music: jazz.

Jazz broke the established rules of the age. It’s characterized by syncopated beats and improvisation, which meant that every single live performance was a completely new experience. That’s why thousands of people flocked to clubs like the Cotton Club to hear their favorite artists night after night.

While scores of talented musicians and vocalists rose to notoriety during the Harlem Renaissance, a few names stick out as jazz legends who shaped the form.

Duke Ellington

Born April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C., Duke Ellington would grow to be one the most influential jazz songwriters, pianists and conductors. But Ellington didn’t consider himself a jazz musician. He called his music “American Music.” Here’s where you can listen to some of his most influential creations.

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday was an influential jazz vocalist who was famous for her ability to improvise. Holiday had a rough childhood. She had to drop out of school at the age of only 11. When she first moved to Harlem with her mother, she supported herself by working in a brothel; she was only a teenager at the time. Despite her hardships, Holiday continued to sing and perform, eventually headlining multiple sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall. Here’s where you can listen to some of her work.

Louis Armstrong

Born August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louis Armstrong grew up to be a legendary trumpeter, composer and singer. His vocal style was an iconic, warm, gravely tone and he was renowned for his trumpet solos. Throughout his life, Armstrong wrote more than fifty songs, many of which became jazz standards. You can listen to his characteristic trumpet solos and unique voice here.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald was a remarkable popular jazz singer during the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout her life, she won 13 Grammys and sold tens of millions of albums. She was famous for the versatility and beauty of her voice. She also catered to a wide-ranging audience, no matter their wealth, race, religion or nationality. Listen to her iconic sound here.