Jazz, 1920s

In order to listen to the audio clip, you must have the free RealPlayer. You may download RealPlayer from the Web.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra, "Shanghai Shuffle," November 7, 1924, from Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra: 1924 (vol. 3). France: Classics Records, 1992. Originally published by Vocalion.
Fletcher Henderson was a Georgia native who received a chemistry degree from Atlanta University before moving to New York in 1920 to focus on a music career. He became one of the most successful jazz orchestra leaders of the day. This excerpt spotlights the trumpet playing of the orchestra's newest member at the time, Louis Armstrong.

Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra, "Shanghai Shuffle," 1924

Duke Ellington and His Kentucky Club Orchestra, "East St. Louis Toodle-o," March 14, 1927, from Early Ellington: The Complete Brunswick and Vocalion Recordings of Duke Ellignton, 1926-1931. Decca Jazz, 1994. Originally published by Brunswick, 1927.
Edward "Duke" Ellington, a native Washingtonian was the most famous orchestra leader of the day. Not yet thirty at the time of this recording, Ellington already had made his mark in the music world. This track, which Ellington co-wrote, was the band's theme for more than a decade.

Duke Ellington and His Kentucky Club Orchestra, "East St. Louis Toodle-o," 1927