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Jazz has been called the purest expression of American democracy; a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. Ken Burns follows the growth and development of jazz music from the gritty streets of New Orleans to Chicago's south side, the speakeasies of Kansas city and to Times Square.

Jazz is called upon to lift the spirits of a frightened country.
Currents of change in American now impact Jazz.
As the stock market continues to soar, jazz is everywhere in America
Funding provided by: General Motors;PBS; Park Foundation; CPB; The Pew Charitable Trusts; The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; NEH; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Reva and David Logan Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundations; NEA; Helen and Peter Bing
Episodes
JAZZ begins in New Orleans, nineteenth century America's most cosmopolitan city.
Louis Armstrong shows the whole world how to swing.
As the Depression drags on, jazz comes as close as ever to being America's music
A new sound emerges- pulsing, stomping, suffused with the blues.
When America enters World War II, jazz is part of the arsenal.
The postwar years bring America to a level of prosperity unimaginable a decade before.
During the Sixties, jazz is in trouble.
Extras
Louis Armstrong's triumphant return to Europe.
Exuberant dancing at the Savoy Ballroom.
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