A new sound emerges- pulsing, stomping, suffused with the blues.

Swing: The Velocity of Celebration Jazz

Premiered December 15, 2015
Swing: The Velocity of Celebration

As the 1930's come to a close, Swing-mania is still going strong, but some fans are saying success has made the music too predictable. Their ears are tuned to a new sound - pulsing, stomping, suffused with the blues.

About the Program

Jazz

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.

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