Prohibition


 * Jazz and the Prohibition** From 1920 to 1933, the United States banned alcohol, thus entered a period call the Prohibition. The ban on alcohol however was counterproductive and sparked speakeasies. These speakeasies were parties that would offer drinks, food and of course, music. An important aspect of the speakeasy was that it allowed whites to hear and enjoy the music. Part of the allure of a speakeasy was ‘the fun, exciting music’.

Jazz music was enjoyed at many speakeasies, unfortunately this was not appreciated by the older generations. Since drinking was considered illegal and immoral, Jazz music was threatened with receiving a reputation of being immoral too. Luckily the popularity of Jazz music at speakeasies made jazz one of the most popular types of music played on radio stations and this was how jazz spread among the white audiences.

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