Music · 1925
The Roaring Twenties Sound Their Electrical Revolution
In 1925, the music industry was transformed by the adoption of electrical recording, bringing unprecedented richness to captured sound. From the birth of the Grand Ole Opry to Louis Armstrong's landmark Hot Five sessions, jazz, blues, and country took center stage.
- Nov 28, 1925 | Radio Broadcast
WSM Barn Dance Launches
George D. Hay launches a weekly radio broadcast in Nashville that will eventually evolve into the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
- Nov 12, 1925 | Jazz Recording
Louis Armstrong Forms Hot Five
Louis Armstrong enters Chicago's Okeh studio for his first sessions as a bandleader, redefining jazz improvisation and soloing.
- Dec 3, 1925 | Carnegie Hall
Gershwin Premieres Concerto in F
George Gershwin performs as piano soloist for the premiere of his new jazz-infused classical work alongside the New York Symphony.
- Dec 14, 1925 | Berlin, Germany
Premiere of Berg's Opera Wozzeck
Erich Kleiber conducts the sensational and controversial premiere of Alban Berg's modernist opera masterpiece at the Berlin State Opera.
- Jan 14, 1925 | Classic Blues
Bessie Smith Records 'St. Louis Blues'
Bessie Smith pairs with Louis Armstrong on cornet to record what becomes one of the most famous and influential blues tracks in history.
- Oct 2, 1925 | Paris Debut
Josephine Baker Captivates Paris
Josephine Baker debuts in La Revue Nègre at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, mesmerizing European audiences with American jazz culture.
- Spring 1925 | Industry Milestone
Major Labels Adopt Electrical Recording
Victor and Columbia switch from acoustic horns to Western Electric microphones, revolutionizing record fidelity and microphone technique.
- Late 1925 | Country Blues Debut
Blind Lemon Jefferson's First Sessions
Texas blues pioneer Blind Lemon Jefferson travels to Chicago to record his earliest tracks, launching his influential recording career.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?