Formed in 1916 in New Orleans, featuring Nick LaRocca, Eddie Edwards, Larry Shields, and Henry Ragas, the Original Dixieland Jass Band released one of the first jazz recordings, "Dixie Jass Band One-Step," in 1917.
The New Orleans Rhythm Kings
Formed in 1917 in New Orleans, featuring Paul Mares, Leon Rappolo, George Brunies, and Ben Pollack, the New Orleans Rhythm Kings were one of the first jazz bands to gain national fame through recordings.
The Paul Whiteman Orchestra
Formed in 1918, featuring Paul Whiteman and Bix Beiderbecke, the Paul Whiteman Orchestra achieved great popularity in the 1920s, helped launch Bing Crosby's career, and was involved in the development of symphonic jazz.
The Duke Ellington Orchestra
Formed in 1923 in Washington, D.C., featuring Duke Ellington, Cootie Williams, Bubber Miley, Juan Tizol, and Johnny Hodges, the Duke Ellington Orchestra was one of the most influential and successful jazz bands of all time, combining musical innovation with commercial appeal.
Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra
Formed in 1923 in New York City, featuring Fletcher Henderson and Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra played an important role in developing big band jazz and helping jazz gain acceptance among white audiences.