Home » History of Jazz Timeline: 1897

History of Jazz Timeline: 1897

Buddy Bolden Buddy Bolden organizes the first band to play the instrumental Blues (the fore-runner of Jazz). The band's repertoire consists of Polkas, Quadrilles, Ragtime and Blues.
Storyville (the famed red light district of New Orleans) opens. It was named after New Orleans alderman Sidney Story.
The Ragtime craze is at full tilt.
Soprano saxophone and clarinet virtuoso Sidney Bechet born in New Orleans on May 14.
Stride piano great Willie "The Lion" Smith born in Goshen, NY on November 23.

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Disclaimer: Though we have checked our facts, this timeline may contain erroneous information. If you discover errors or omissions, please bring them to our attention.

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