Jazz Age ways with the Prohibition Era. American author F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely credited with coining the term, first using it in the title of his 1922 short story collection, "Tales of the Jazz Age". Jazz music originated in New Orleans in the "sub-style" of Dixieland Jazz. Jazz is the hybrid of African and European influence. From African influence, jazz got its rhythm, "blues" quality, and traditions of playing or singing in one's own expressive way. From European influence, jazz got its harmony and instruments (saxophone, trumpet, piano, etc.). Both influences used improvisation which became a large part of jazz. New
Kansas City jazz City in the 1930s was very much the crossroads of the United States resulting in a mix of cultures. Transcontinental trips at the time whether by plane or train often required a stop in the city. The era marked the zenith of power of political boss Tom Pendergast. Kansas City was a wide open town with liquor laws and hours totally ignored and was called the new Storyville. Most of the jazz musicians associated with the style were born in other places but got caught up in the friendly musical competitions among performers that could keep a single song being