Louis Armstrong
Commonly known by the nicknames "Satchmo" and "Pops", Louis Armstrong was perhaps the most famous trumpeteer and jazz singer of his time. Famous for his raspy voice, he was very skilled in scat singing, or singing with sounds instead of actual words. Even when the United States was thoroughly segregated, Armstrong won American citizens over with his influential music and dazzling stage presence. Some of his more popular songs in the 1920s included "Heebie Jeebies", "St. Louis Blues", and "Weather Bird".
Fats Waller
Born in New York City in 1904, Fats Waller was arguably the most prominent jazz pianist of the 1920s. Not only was he famous for his jazz rythms and swing beats found in pieces like "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Honeysuckle Rose", and "Sqeeze Me", but he was also one the funniest and most exuberant entertainers of the era. Fats made over five hundred recordings. He was recognized on the streets
of Harlem and across the seas in Europe as he toured extensively. He appeared on numerous radio broadcasts as well as various Hollywood feature films.
of Harlem and across the seas in Europe as he toured extensively. He appeared on numerous radio broadcasts as well as various Hollywood feature films.
George Gershwin
George Gershwin was born in 1898 in Brooklyn, New York. He became involved in popular music of his time when he dropped out of school in 1914. He produced his first chart topper in 1920, titled "Swanee". He produced a musical in 1924, Lady, Be Good, with the help of collaboration from his brother, Ira. Gershwin also composed works for the concerto hall, titling his most famous work, "Rhapsody in Blue". Gershwin is best known for his folk opera, Porgy and Bess. Aside from these world-renowned works, Gershwin composed many other notable musicals and songs.