Jazz in Paris

Perhaps nothing epitomizes the cultural bond of France and the United States better than the joyous reception of jazz in Paris. Introduced by Black American soldiers and musicians during and following the First World War, jazz was embraced by the French and swept the country.

Paris—long the cradle of the avant-garde and where racial discrimination was illegal—provided a haven for the great American and French musicians who lived there, including Josephine Baker, Sidney Bechet, Ada “Bricktop” Smith, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, and Miles Davis. Jazz influenced composers like Ravel and artists like Matisse. Duke Ellington triumphed there in 1933 and played in France more than any other foreign country in his 50-year career. American musicians like pianist John Lewis were inspired by the city, where he recorded albums like the mythic Afternoon in Paris and Vendome.

With a story that ranges from Louis Armstrong to Wynton Marsalis, educators and documentary filmmakers Darroch Greer and Paul Glenshaw share great moments, characters, and incredible music from this century-long, ongoing love affair.

Glenshaw and Greer are currently developing a film project on Duke Ellington. 

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