Music · 1921
The Roaring Twenties Sound Unfolds in 1921
In 1921, post-war enthusiasm sparked a booming recording industry fueled by jazz rhythms and Broadway spectacles. Speakeasies and record players echoed with infectious new sounds as Black artists broke major commercial barriers.
- May 1921 | Broadway Musical | USA
Shuffle Along
Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle's groundbreaking all-Black musical debuts on Broadway, introducing legendary songs like 'I'm Just Wild About Harry'.
- 1921 | Hit Single | Van and Schenck
Ain't We Got Fun?
Written by Richard A. Whiting, this ubiquitous pop duet captured the lighthearted, resilient spirit of the post-war boom.
- Dec 30, 1921 | Opera | Sergei Prokofiev
The Love for Three Oranges Premiere
Sergei Prokofiev conducts the world premiere of his satirical opera at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
- August 2, 1921 | Classical | Italy
Enrico Caruso Passes Away
The music world mourns the loss of opera's first global recording superstar, whose tenor voice defined the early phonograph era.
- 1921 | Jazz Recording | Kid Ory
Ory's Creole Trombone
Kid Ory's Sunshine Band makes history by recording the first studio jazz tracks by an African American band from New Orleans.
- 1921 | Blues Single | Ethel Waters
Down Home Blues
Ethel Waters records her breakthrough hit for Black Swan Records, establishing the premier African American-owned record label.
- 1921 | Hit Single | Ted Lewis
The Sheik of Araby
Inspired by the hit Rudolph Valentino silent film, this infectious jazz-pop standard becomes an instant national craze.
- 1921 | Hit Single | Marion Harris
Look for the Silver Lining
Marion Harris popularizes Jerome Kern's comforting anthem, bringing hopeful optimism to record listeners nationwide.
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