The origin of the word jazz is of great interest to many and while highly researched, remains unknown. However, it's clear that the meaning of this slang term has changed over time. The first documented case of the word was in regard to baseball, printed in the LA Times in 1912, used with negative connotations. Over time jazz became known as a positive thing to mean enthusiasm or pep. Some believe the word came from an old slang term "jasm"meaning spirit, energy, or vigor. Jazz's first documented use to describe a genre of music was in the Chicago Daily Tribune in 1915.
Blackface Performers.
In an age where only white men where privileged enough to be on stage... How can you create a vibrant and diverse cast? Why not just paint the actors faces! Well that's exactly what they did in the 1800's, here in America and in Europe as well. Performers would used burnt cork, shoe polish and even greasepaint to darken their skin. In the early 1900's many well know actors such as Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, and Shirley Temple, played blackface roles. The tradition died down around the mid 1900's due to new respect for race and racism.
Stock Market Crash.
Prior to the crash wealth and luxury were predominant in the US. The Roaring 20's where put to a sudden halt on October 29, 1929, "Black Tuesday." It all started with a theory that "now was the time to buy stocks!". Millions of Americans started borrowing money to invest in stocks, about 8.5 billion dollars had been loaned out, more than the entire money supply in circulation during that time. Stock prices continued to soar and Americans continued to invest. When the market finally hit its peak on October 24th and began its downward trend, Americans began to panic and panic selling ensued. And following in suit the market crashed.
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