Does it feel like life is moving too fast? Is your vacation so booked you barely have time to breathe? Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine stepping into the streets of New Orleans, where the air is thick with the intoxicating melodies and hypnotic rhythms of jazz. Breathe it all in. Now open your eyes so you can read on!

In this post, we embark on a brief journey through the vibrant history of New Orleans jazz. We’ll explore its origins, touch upon its golden era, and examine its contemporary relevance.

Congo Square

Jazz is the epitome of New Orleans itself, combining African, European, and Caribbean musical traditions. Early forms of jazz developed in the city’s late 19th century neighborhoods, dance halls, and music clubs, influenced by the rhythms of ragtime, the blues, and the brass band tradition. But its earliest roots can be attributed to Congo Square.

Located in what is now Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square served as a gathering place for enslaved Africans and free people of color during the 18th and 19th centuries. Here, they were permitted to gather on Sundays to engage in music, dance, religious ceremonies, socializing, and trade.

This allowed Congo Square to become a hub of the various cultural traditions. These traditions mingled and evolved resulting in the rhythmic drumming, call-and-response chants, and spirited dancing that laid the foundation for the improvisational and collaborative spirit that defines jazz.

Today, Congo Square is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It hosts various events, including music festivals, drum circles, and cultural celebrations, honoring its legacy and cultural significance to New Orleans.

The First Man of Jazz: Buddy Bolden

In the annals of New Orleans jazz history, one name stands out as a pioneer and a legend – Buddy Bolden. Charles “Buddy” Bolden, 1877-1931, played the cornet with so much power that legend has it he could be heard from miles away. Bolden’s bold improvisations, powerful sound, and charismatic stage presence set the stage for the emergence of jazz as a distinct art form. He thus became widely known as “the first man of jazz.”

As fast as Bolden burst into the music scene of New Orleans around 1900, his disappearance was just as quick. A life of heavy drinking and unruliness led to his commitment to the Louisiana State Asylum in 1907 where he lived out the rest of his days.

Though the time was short, his impact is undeniable. Some of the prominent jazz figures he influenced include Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet. To everyone’s great misfortune, there are no known recordings of his music. We must rely on those who heard his music firsthand and tried to emulate it.

The Jazz Age

The Jazz Age refers to the period in the 1920s when jazz music and dance styles gained widespread popularity. It was characterized by a vibrant cultural scene, with significant social and economic changes, including the rise of the flapper culture, Prohibition, and the Harlem Renaissance.

As jazz’s birthplace, New Orleans played a pivotal role in this time period. The city’s lively music scene, with its numerous clubs, parades, and street performances, helped propel jazz into the mainstream consciousness during the Roaring Twenties. Legendary musicians such as the aforementioned King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet emerged from New Orleans. These icons shaped the early sounds of jazz with their innovative styles. There is one figure who deserves particular recognition though.

Louis Armstrong is often hailed as the figure who stands above all in jazz and transcends into popular culture. His innovative trumpet playing, gravelly voice, and charismatic stage presence made him a global icon and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Armstrong’s contributions to jazz, including his pioneering of scat singing and his virtuosic improvisations, have left an indelible mark on music history. His timeless recordings, such as “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly!”, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a jazz legend and cultural icon.

Much like Morton, Oliver, and Bechet, Armstrong spent much of the 1920s Jazz Age in the bigger markets such as Chicago and New York. While New Orleans missed out on experiencing these icons during their prime, their relocation to other markets facilitated the widespread popularity of jazz.

Jazz’s Impact Today

Jazz continues to influence and inspire musicians across various genres today. It shapes contemporary music in sometimes subtle yet always significant ways. Its improvisational spirit, harmonic richness, and rhythmic complexity have left an indelible mark on modern music, from hip-hop to electronic to pop. Additionally, jazz’s emphasis on individual expression and collaboration serves as a foundation for creative exploration in today’s music landscape.

When it comes to New Orleans, jazz’s impact is everywhere on the city today. I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum. That will be on my next trip. A walk through Louis Armstrong Park does give you the opportunity to learn some interesting things and visit Congo Square.

More important than anything though is to go out and listen. You can find jazz every night in New Orleans. Check out the Mahogany Jazz Hall on Charles Street in the French Quarter. Once you step inside, you’ll be hooked. I ended up spending 3 of my 4 nights there. Get there early since there is limited seating.

Not going to New Orleans any time soon? No worries! Hop on the internet and find the jazz spot or festival nearest you! For those fellow Lincolnites, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln holds their annual Jazz in June with free live music outdoors every Tuesday.

Learn More

This post barely scratches the surface of jazz’s history and its impact today. So let’s all learn more. A great way to do just that is through Ken Burns’ Jazz. Ken Burns is masterclass at historical documentaries and Jazz is no exception.

In the immortal words of Herbie Hancock, “Jazz is about being present in the moment.” So let’s take a moment to slow down, immerse ourselves in some jazz, and savor the present. It could be exactly what we needed.

What are your thoughts on jazz? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

Want more ideas for your trip to New Orleans? Check out my post, 5 Things History To Do in New Orleans.