Jazzing the Moon: A Harlem Renaissance Playlist
From Bessie Smith to Duke Ellington to Gladys Bentley, this playlist is a thoughtful, carefully-curated introduction to 1920s jazz and the #HarlemRenaissance. Enjoy.
Painting: The Jazz Singers by Archibald Motley
“I’m Just Wild About Harry”
By Eubie Blake & Noble Sissle. From the 1921 musical Shuffle Along. Recorded 1922.
“Charleston”
By James P. Johnson. From the 1923 musical Runnin’ Wild. Recorded 1925.
“Riverside Blues”
By Thomas A. Dorsey & Richard M. Jones.
Performed by Joe "King" Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, featuring Louis Armstrong. Recorded 1923.
“St. Louis Blues”
By W.C. Handy.
Sung by Bessie Smith. Featuring Louis Armstrong on cornet. Recorded 1925.
“Shake That Thing”
Sung by Ethel Waters.
Pearl Wright on piano. Recorded 1925.
“Black Bottom Stomp”
By Jelly Roll Morton.
Performed by Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers. Recorded 1926.
“Creole Love Call”
Written and performed by Duke Ellington & Adelaide Hall. Recorded 1927.
“Empty Bed Blues”
By J.C. Johnson.
Sung by Bessie Smith. Recorded 1928.
“How Much Can I Stand?”
Sung by Gladys Bentley. Recorded 1928.
“West End Blues”
By Joe "King" Oliver.
Performed by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five. Recorded 1928.
“Gimme a Pigfoot”
Music and lyrics by Wesley Wilson.
Sung by Bessie Smith. Recorded 1933.