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European Tour 2004
LSU Sugarbowl View photos on the
Vintage photos page Notable: |
Many people ask where the name jazz comes from. There are many contradicting theories and histories told. Below is one theory that has documents showing a factual perspective. Documents
showing the name change from "Jass" to "Jazz" Between 1916 and 1918 the word jass used within the band name of the Original Dixieland Jass Band was changed to Jazz. The word "Jazz" stuck and has been used ever since that first jass/jazz recording to describe an ever changing and evolving musical style. The success of the Original Dixieland Jass Band in 1917 with the first jass recording was immense. The Victor Talking Machine Co. had placed advertising posters in the New York subway cars (the same long thin rectangular posters you see on busses today) and the first letter in the word jass was defaced. This wouldn’t do with society and the Victor Talking Machine Company (for certain with permission from the ODJB) changed the name to Jazz. Prior to the ODJB's "hit" recording the music of the time was known as Ragtime and many other style names but not jazz. It is interesting and amusing to note that today some earlier musicians are referred to as jazz musicians even though the name or style didn't exist. This would be similar to calling the pop/rock star Elvis a "rap artist" because he spoke in many of his recorded songs. The style did not exist and therefore could not be applied and would not make sense. Dating back to 1914 there were only three or four other groups that used the name jass within their band name. The term was used more in general language slang (supposedly) and was certainly not used to describe a musical style until the ODJB secured it with their hit recording in 1917. Think of the word “jass” in the same way you would think of the word “Cool.” Since the 1950’s the word “cool” has been used in general language slang meaning something is good, likable or great. In the 1960’s Miles David recorded in a style that became known as the “Cool” jazz period. Prior to 1916 the word “jass” was supposedly used in general language slang meaning to do something with vigor and energy. “Let’s jass it up on the dance floor.” The use of a slang term “jass,” a hit recording and changing the name from jass to jazz by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band forever secured the word jazz a musical definition term. David Hansen The following three documents show a transition of the word jass to jazz.
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