The Charles H. Wright Museum
of African American History
Jazz Appreciation Month
April is National Jazz Appreciation Month!
20th annual Jazz Appreciation Month
Developed from the sounds of blues and ragtime, jazz music originated in New Orleans during the 1920s. Jazz artists have long been America's greatest cultural ambassadors by advancing freedom, creativity, and unity through their art. In support of this uniquely Black American art form, Jazz Appreciation Month was founded by Smithsonian curator John Edward Hasse in 2001.
At The Wright, we celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by welcoming music lovers of all ages to enjoy jazz through reading, singing, playing instruments, and of course, simply listening along!
Wright Now
Enjoy our past jazz performances!
Experience incredible jazz music moments from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History through our online collection.
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Billie Holiday
Eleanora Fagan, known professionally as Billie Holiday was born April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, PA. Click the image to hear Lady Day perform one of her best-known songs, "Strange Fruit". -
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Hancock was born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, IL. Click the image to watch Herbie Hancock perform at the Nice Jazz Festival 2000. -
Ella Fitzgerald
First Lady of Song Ella Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, VA. Click the image to hear Fitzgerald perform "Jazz Samba". -
Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, DC. Click the image to watch Ellington perform one of his most famous pieces, "Take the A Train".
