Music · 1920
The Dawn of the Jazz Age and Radio
In 1920, the roar of the Jazz Age began to echo as blues made historic recording debuts and commercial radio launched across America. Prohibition fueled a booming nightlife culture, forever transforming popular music, dance orchestras, and Broadway stages.
- Aug 1920 • Mamie Smith • Blues
Crazy Blues
Mamie Smith and Her Jazz Hounds make history by recording the first commercial blues record by an African American artist, selling thousands of copies in its first month.
- Aug 1920 • Paul Whiteman • Jazz/Pop
Whispering
Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra release a monumental hit that sells over two million copies, defining the sweet dance band sound of the early 1920s.
- Jan 1920 • Al Jolson • Pop/Vaudeville
Swanee
Al Jolson turns George Gershwin's catchy tune into a nationwide sensation, launching Gershwin into mainstream musical stardom.
- Sep 15, 1920 • Gustav Holst • Classical
The Planets First Public Performance
Conducted by Appleby Matthews in Birmingham, Gustav Holst's masterwork receives its first complete public concert performance to widespread acclaim.
- Dec 12, 1920 • Maurice Ravel • Classical
La Valse Premiere
Maurice Ravel’s hypnotic orchestral poem premieres in Paris, capturing a turbulent and romantic reinterpretation of the traditional Viennese waltz.
- Dec 21, 1920 • Jerome Kern • Musical
Sally Premiere on Broadway
Jerome Kern's smash musical premieres in New York, featuring star Marilyn Miller and the timeless hit song 'Look for the Silver Lining'.
- Aug 20, 1920 • 8MK Detroit • Broadcast
First Musical Radio Broadcasts
Radio station 8MK in Detroit begins regular broadcasts featuring phonograph records, pioneering a revolutionary medium for music listeners everywhere.
- 1920 • Art Hickman • Dance
Hold Me
Art Hickman's New York Orchestra releases one of the year's defining dance hits, popularizing early jazz rhythms on major record labels.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?