The origins of jazz are difficult to trace. Some scholars believe the genre originated in Congo Square before the Civil War, where slaves rejoiced in musical celebrations on Sundays. In contrast, others argue it emerged in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the genre's rise to mainstream popularity during the 1920s, now coined the "Jazz Age," is undeniable.

The Jazz Age ran concurrently with the Roaring Twenties, an era in which the United States experienced significant economic prosperity. The off-beat swing accents and smooth blend of brass instruments attracted large crowds to jazz clubs in cities like Harlem, New Orleans, and Chicago, solidifying jazz as a major genre and giving way to a new generation of African American musicians.

Although the stock market crash of 1929 effectively ended the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, the soul of jazz lived on. Musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, and more developed the genre through the 40s and 60s, influencing the sounds we create today.

Learn about some of the most influential jazz musicians, from pioneers of the Jazz Age like Duke Ellington to cultural ambassadors like Dizzy Gillespie. Or immerse yourself in documentaries following stars like Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Max Roach, Charles Mingus, and Roy Hargrove.

Bird: Not Out Of Nowhere

Directed and produced by Emmy Award-winner Brad Austin, Bird: Not Out of Nowhere takes an in-depth look at the 21 years Parker spent in Kansas City and his lasting impression on present-day Kansas City jazz. The documentary features rarely seen archival footage of Parker, interviews with musicians and historians, and live performances from Kansas City’s most talented jazz musicians.

Stream the full documentary on PBS Passport or watch the trailer below. 

Jazz

Jazz has been called the purest expression of American democracy; a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. In this 10-part series, filmmaker Ken Burns follows the growth and development of jazz music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to Chicago's south side, the speakeasies of Kansas City and to Times Square.

Episode two, "The Gift," explores the beginning of Louis Armstrong's career and his influence on jazz. Tune into a clip below or stream the full episode on PBS Passport.

Hargrove

Filmed in jazz clubs around the world on what would be his final tour, Hargrove shines a bright spotlight on the genius of Roy Hargrove and his contribution to the art of jazz. Key conversations expand beyond his personal story and enter the terrain of what it means to be an artist in America while also offering a glimpse into the politics of power and race in the music industry.

Stream the full documentary below.

Continuum: Jason Moran & Christian McBride

Jazz music icons Christian McBride and Jason Moran collaborate for an electrifying performance at the Kennedy Center, carrying forward a longstanding tradition to the preservation and evolution of jazz. The jazz bassist and pianist also share stories about their legendary teachers and introduce us to their remarkable protégés.

Stream the full performance on PBS Passport or tune into the featured clip below.

Russell Malone

In this episode of Live at Lucille's: Great Performances From the World of Jazz, East Tennessee PBS welcomes jazz musician Russell Malone. Malone is universally heralded by fans, critics and peers alike as one of the premier guitar masters of his generation. An astonishing virtuoso, Malone has toured and recorded with Harry Connick Jr., Sonny Rollins, Ron Carter, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, Branford Marsalis and many others.

Watch his full performance below or stream every jazz performance at Lucille's here.