Jazz and Racism

The jazz scene that emerged in Harlem in the 1920s was perhaps one of the most innovative and original sounds ever created.  It combined sounds of soul music, gospel, bluegrass, and big band to create a distinct sound.

http://www.8notes.com/images/artists/duke_ellington.jpg

This was perhaps a way to release stress from  the increasing racist behavior shown by the white majority.  The effects of Jim Crowe laws are felt in the south and north, up till the 60's.  This is show by the poem Strange Fruit, ironically used as a song later in the century.