By Hailey Stangebye

The iconic sounds developed during the Harlem Renaissance shaped the history of jazz and swing music. From the compositions of Duke Ellington to the sounds of Bessie Smith’s voice, black artists and musicians paved the way for the music of today. That influence is particularly noticeable this time of year.

The holidays are a time to dust off old records and revisit the tunes that have been celebrated over the course of a century. So many of those Christmas songs are rooted in the Harlem Renaissance. To celebrate the history of that music, we’ve compiled a collection of classic holiday tunes from the jazz legends we know and love.

Listen along.

Duke Ellington – “The Nutcracker Suite”

Duke Ellington, alongside Billy Strayhorn, reinterpreted the age-old tunes of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Tchaikovsky originally composed “The Nutcracker” in 1892. Ellington released his reimagined version of those songs in 1960.

Billie Holiday – “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”

“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” was originally written by Irving Berlin in 1937. That same year, Billie Holiday recorded a version that became incredibly successful. Today, scores of artists have adapted and re-recorded the classic tune. 

Louis Armstrong – “Christmas in New Orleans”

Louis Armstrong was born August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, so this Christmas tune was close to home. Recorded in 1955, Louis brought his characteristic voice and smooth jazz rhythms to the sounds of Christmas. 

Ella Fitzgerald – “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas”

Ella Fitzgerald was a prolific figure in the Harlem Renaissance. In her lifetime, she recorded two Christmas albums. The first, recorded and release in 1960, contained classics from “Santa Clause Is Coming to Town” to lesser known tracks like “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.”

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.