ABSTRACT
The 1920s represented a time of social, technological, and economic change in America that greatly influenced the growth of early jazz. The newly established recording industry, the advent of radio, a quickly growing music-publishing industry, and improvements in transportation enabled this new music to spread quickly.
Early jazz groups were composed of a front line (most typically cornet, clarinet, and trombone) and a second line (the early rhythm section), as they evolved from street-parade and funeral bands. The instrumentation of the second line varied considerably, but generally included a bass instrument (tuba, bass sax, or string bass), a chording instrument (banjo or guitar, with or without piano), and drums.
Louis Armstrong is universally acknowledged to be the first great jazz soloist. His technique, range, and rhythmic feel on the cornet (later trumpet) were far beyond those of any of his contemporaries. He is also recognized as the father of scat singing (improvising vocally using nonsense syllables). Having performed around the world, Louis Armstrong became an international star.
