Music
Here is a brief overview of some events that occur during the decade in which Fitzgerald writes The Great Gatsby
1920
For the first time, regularly scheduled radio broadcasts begin.
1921
This year features Rudolph Valentino in his first two pictures and Fanny Brice singing "MY MAN" in the Ziegfeld Follies. The hit single "Sheik of Araby" is composed by Ted Snyder with words written by Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler.
1923
The Charleston is now the latest craze throughout the country, and in Harlem, The Cotton Club opens at 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue. Also the first ever Blues commercial recording is made by Bessie Smith. This record sells over 780,000 copies in six months.
1925
The first ever broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry is held and the the first musical sing-a-longs open in movie theaters.
1926
This year was the height of the Jazz Age as Flappers and their "Sheiks" dance the nights away.
1927
The legendary "Jazz Singer" makes its debut on October 6th. Back at The Cotton Club, a twenty-eight year old composer/band leader opens the beginnings of one of the most legendary careers in popular music. The composer is Duke Ellington.
1928
Billboard magazine publishes its first industry chart, Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee sing their first tunes, and Betty Boop is born when Helen Kane "Boop Boop-A-Doops" her first song.
1929
"Amos 'N' Andy" are broadcasting over radio waves and MGM produces its first musical in February. Later in the year, The Great Depression begins.
Works Cited
Warner Bros. Music Publications. Florida: 1995.
Page created on April 13, 1999.
Curator: Nona Spain