Tag: music

Music, Roaring Twenties, Roaring Twenties and Depression, Videos

Great Duke Ellington Jazz Video to Use When Teaching the Harlem Renaissance

If you want to show your students an awesome jazz performance when discussing the Harlem Renaissance, this video is great (see below)! It features famous African-American bandleader Duke Ellington (at the piano) and Ella Fitzgerald. While this particular performance took place long after the Harlem Renaissance when these two greats are in latter part of their careers, it is an excellent example of one of the most well-known jazz songs to come out of the Harlem Renaissance (it was written by Ellington). (Side note: While Ellington was an important figure during the Harlem Renaissance, Fitzgerald started making a name for herself at the very end of the Harlem Renaissance.) You can also use this video to explain to students what scatting is starting at around 1:24. After watching this clip, it’s easy to see why Fitzgerald is called the First Lady of Song!

Music, Roaring Twenties, Roaring Twenties and Depression

Musical Intro to Roaring Twenties

I think music can convey some things so much better than words.  When I was introducing my students to the Roaring Twenties, I decided to use music to make my point.  I displayed the following on the board:

This music characterizes life in the 1920s.  Do you think society was generally:

  • Fast-paced or slow-paced?
  • Poor or prosperous?
  • Traditional or changing?

Then, I played them the “Overture” and first part of “All That Jazz” from the movie/musical Chicago.  (See the Youtube link if you don’t have the song.) I only play the first minute or so, because A- the kids might lose interest and B- the words to “All That Jazz” start in.  You probably don’t want your students to be singing, “Where the gin is cold, but the piano’s hot,” as they leave your classroom, so I would most definitely stop it before the words kick in.  If you listen for the music to slow down, that’s your cue to stop it before the words begin.  While the song is not a legitimate 1920s song, I think it captures the spirit and sound of music from that time period.

After you stop the music, have your students answer the questions on the board.  Use this as a discussion starter or a way to begin discussing life during the Roaring Twenties.

Here’s a PowerPoint slide to display on the board.

Here’s the Youtube video of the song:

Photo: Louis Brooks.  Public Domain.