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Jazz has been called the purest expression of American democracy; a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Ken Burns follows the growth and development of jazz music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to Chicago's south side, the speakeasies of Kansas city and to Times Square.

Watch • 1:46:40
Jazz
Our Language
As the stock market continues to soar, jazz is everywhere in America
Episode: S1 E3 | 1:46:40
Watch • 1:58:35
Jazz
Risk
The postwar years bring America to a level of prosperity unimaginable a decade before.
Episode: S1 E8 | 1:58:35
Watch • 1:48:52
Jazz
The Gift
Louis Armstrong shows the whole world how to swing.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:48:52
Funding provided by: General Motors;PBS; Park Foundation; CPB; The Pew Charitable Trusts; The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; NEH; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Reva and David Logan Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundations; NEA; Helen and Peter Bing
Episodes
Watch • 1:21:48
Jazz
Gumbo
JAZZ begins in New Orleans, nineteenth century America's most cosmopolitan city.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:21:48
Watch • 1:58:57
Jazz
The True Welcome
Jazz is called upon to lift the spirits of a frightened country.
Episode: S1 E4 | 1:58:57
Watch • 1:28:38
Jazz
Swing: Pure Pleasure
As the Depression drags on, jazz comes as close as ever to being America's music
Episode: S1 E5 | 1:28:38
Watch • 1:39:45
Jazz
Swing: The Velocity of Celebration
A new sound emerges- pulsing, stomping, suffused with the blues.
Episode: S1 E6 | 1:39:45
Watch • 1:53:09
Jazz
Dedicated to Chaos
When America enters World War II, jazz is part of the arsenal.
Episode: S1 E7 | 1:53:09
Watch • 1:54:32
Jazz
The Adventure
Currents of change in American now impact Jazz.
Episode: S1 E9 | 1:54:32
Watch • 1:48:32
Jazz
A Masterpiece by Midnight
During the Sixties, jazz is in trouble.
Episode: S1 E10 | 1:48:32
Extras
Watch • 2:12
Jazz
Louis Armstrong Returns to Europe
Louis Armstrong's triumphant return to Europe.
Clip: S1 | 2:12
Watch • 3:53
Jazz
The Savoy Ballroom
Exuberant dancing at the Savoy Ballroom.
Clip: S1 | 3:53
More Arts & Music Shows