Discover Jazz Roots in Georgia

Georgia's roots in jazz date back to the big band and swing music scenes in the 1920s and 1930s. 

Fletcher Henderson, a native of Cuthbert, is credited with putting together the first swing band.  Many of Henderson's songs were performed by Benny Goodman and other swing bands of the time.  Johnny Mercer, a native of Savannah and popular songwriter, also sang with Goodman.

Over the years, Georgia's jazz roots have grown to include the likes of Lena Horne, Harry James, Joe Williams, and James Moody. Information on these musicians, swing music, and more is available online at the New Georgia Encyclopedia (http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org).

This piece is written in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, an initiative sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution.  To learn more about Jazz Appreciation Month visit:  http://www.smithsonianjazz.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=12 .

Edited photo of Fletcher Henderson appears courtesy the Georgia Archives, Vanishing Georgia, ran001.  Studio: Bloom, Chicago