Music · 1917
The Birth of Jazz and Wartime Anthems
In 1917, as World War I reshaped global geopolitics, recorded music witnessed a seismic revolution with the first commercial jazz releases. From patriotic anthems to avant-garde classical premieres, sound provided solace and innovation during turbulent times.
- Feb 26, 1917 | Original Dixieland Band
Livery Stable Blues
Recorded for Victor Talking Machine Company, this track became recognized as the first commercially released jazz phonograph record in history.
- 1917 | George M. Cohan | Patriotic
Over There
Composed as America entered World War I, George M. Cohan's patriotic anthem became an instant phenomenon recorded by Nora Bayes and Enrico Caruso.
- May 18, 1917 | Erik Satie | Paris
Parade Premiere
Erik Satie's ballet premiered in Paris with costumes by Pablo Picasso, introducing typewriter sounds to orchestra music and inspiring the term 'surrealism.'
- Oct 27, 1917 | Jascha Heifetz | NYC
Jascha Heifetz's Carnegie Hall Debut
At just sixteen years old, Russian-born violin prodigy Jascha Heifetz gave an astounding debut performance that instantly cemented his legacy as a master.
- Apr 1, 1917 | Scott Joplin | Ragtime
Passing of Scott Joplin
The legendary 'King of Ragtime' passed away in New York City, marking a symbolic close to the ragtime era as jazz emerged to take center stage.
- Nov 12, 1917 | New Orleans | History
The Closure of Storyville
The US Navy forced the shutdown of New Orleans' famous red-light district, sparking a mass migration of legendary jazz musicians north to Chicago.
- May 31, 1917 | Shelton Brooks | Jazz
Darktown Strutters' Ball
Written by Shelton Brooks and recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band, this vibrant track became one of the earliest recorded jazz standards.
- Feb 11, 1917 | Ottorino Respighi
Premiere of Fountains of Rome
Conducted by Antonio Guarnieri in Rome, Respighi's symphonic poem vividly depicted four of the city's iconic fountains at different times of day.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?