by Chris Longo

Since Baltimore’s inception in 1792, it has been a hub for diverse cultural movements. Among the most prominent was the blossoming jazz scene throughout the 20^th century. Peaking in the 1960s, Baltimore was a host to incredible artists ranging from Duke Ellington to John Coltrane. For such a significant piece of music history, awareness of Baltimore’s incredible jazz scene is not where it should be. The impacts of Baltimore jazz are not limited to musical advancements, rather the scene was also a catalyst for strides in the Civil Rights movement. Given that the memory of this scene is at risk of fading away, it is now more important than ever to support jazz musicians in Baltimore to keep its impact alive for generations to come.

The 20^th century was an incredibly contentious and tumultuous time in our nation’s history. Tensions were high as racism and segregation limited opportunities for cultural exchange and instead replaced it with feelings of malice. Venues such as the Famous Ballroom located on Charles Street provided refuge from the stresses of existence. In an era where violence and discrimination were coming to a head, individuals needed to expel their energy in a way that affirmed a zest for life despite these circumstances. That is where jazz came in. The Famous Ballroom hosted jazz shows for Baltimore residents constantly, but most importantly it was a place where everyone was welcome.

Prior to the surge given by the venue, Baltimore was not a spot on most jazz musicians’ radar. Sandwiched between other major hubs like New York and Washington D.C., jazz musicians simply did not find a need to perform in the area. Once the bustling nature of the shows started to become known, high-caliber musicians began to flock to Baltimore. Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and John Coltrane would play in Baltimore approximately fifty times a year to high-volume crowds each time. Baltimore was an integral part in the diffusion of jazz in the 20^th century.

This was not just a spread of love for a specific genre of music, it was also a means of ending segregation long before the landmark Civil Rights movement. Musicians and music lovers regardless of race would gather at the Royal Theater to appreciate jazz dating back as far as the 1930’s. This scene broke down barriers, even allowing for Ellis Larkins, prominent black musician from Baltimore, to be admitted into the Peabody institute in 1938, the first black individual to do so. Baltimore was not only at the leading edge of the jazz music, but it also set the precedent for inclusive race relations in arts and entertainment.

Unfortunately, this Royal Theater was demolished in 1971, leaving only the hollowed-out entrance as a reminder of its existence. The once plush seating of the venue is now replaced with a flat concrete surface. The theater was torn down as part of the Urban Renewal Program. The legacy of Pennsylvania Avenue has been crushed along with this destruction. For such an integral part of jazz history and Baltimore, the legacy deserves to be preserved. By extension, it becomes harder to discover what a rich history lies beneath the surface of these streets.

The question is now, as members of Baltimore, how we can preserve and celebrate such an important piece of history. It is all quite simple. We need to encourage and participate in our current jazz scene. Though we lack a hub like the Royal Theater to attract everyone to one place, that does not mean jazz has disappeared from Baltimore. Quite the opposite.

The Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society has been bringing jazz across the city for the past thirty years. Local musicians have been playing consistently and continuing to spread the passion for jazz. There are already plentiful shows planned for the entirety the entirety of 2023. We deserve the support these musicians who continue to play for us. Not only are they providing us with the joy of music, but they are also keeping the legacy of this valuable cultural touchstone alive.

Furthermore, many schools are providing students with the opportunity to learn and perform jazz. Grade schools throughout Baltimore County have developed a passion for jazz music that carries with them long after they leave the classroom. In higher education, Towson University holds a jazz festival every January which includes numerous performances and a masterclass open to all.

Though there has been some erasure of Baltimore’s jazz legacy, jazz is just as welcoming and inclusive now than it ever has been. It has never been easier to see a jazz performance or become a jazz musician yourself. Everyone can contribute to this incredible scene. The best way to honor those who have proceeded us is to continue to demonstrate their passion and acceptance today.