1917 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1917 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 11 Jan Broadway Premiere of 'Have a Heart': The musical comedy 'Have a Heart', a collaborative work by playwrights Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, premiered in New York City. This theatrical production represented the vibrant entertainment scene of early 20th-century America, even as the country was on the brink of entering World War I.
- 20 Feb "Oh, Boy!" musical premieres in New York: On February 20, 1917, the musical revue "Oh, Boy!" premiered in New York City, featuring a score by Jerome Kern and lyrics by P.G. Wodehouse. source: ibdb.com
- 26 Feb First jazz record recorded: On February 26, 1917, the first jazz record was recorded by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. This milestone marked the beginning of jazz's popularity and its influence on American music and culture. source: britannica.com
- 02 Mar Birth of Desi Arnaz: Desi Arnaz, the Cuban-American actor and musician best known for his role in the television series 'I Love Lucy,' was born on March 2, 1917. His contributions to television and music have left a lasting legacy in American entertainment. source: biography.com
- 05 Mar First jazz recording by Victor Records: On March 5, 1917, Victor Records released the first jazz recording, "Livery Stable Blues" by the Original Dixieland Jass Band. This marked a significant moment in the history of recorded music. source: loc.gov
- 20 Mar Dame Vera Lynn born: Dame Vera Lynn, a renowned British singer and actress, was born on March 20, 1917. She became famous for her songs during World War II, particularly 'We'll Meet Again' and 'The White Cliffs of Dover.' Lynn's music provided comfort to soldiers and their families during the war. source: bbc.com
- 30 Mar Els Aarne: Estonian composer: On March 30, 1917, Els Aarne, an influential Estonian composer, was recognized for her contributions to music. Her works played a significant role in the development of Estonian national identity through music. source: britannica.com
- 06 Apr Walter 'Shakey' Horton birth: Walter 'Shakey' Horton, an influential American blues harmonica player, was born on April 6, 1917. He became known for his unique style and contributions to the Chicago blues scene. His work has influenced many musicians in the genre. source: allmusic.com
- 07 Apr Manuel de Falla's ballet premiere: Manuel de Falla's ballet 'El amor brujo' premiered on April 7, 1917. This work is notable for its incorporation of Spanish folk music and dance, showcasing Falla's unique compositional style. The ballet has since become a staple in the repertoire of Spanish classical music. source: britannica.com
- 13 May Premiere of Ernest Bloch's 'Schelomo': Ernest Bloch's composition 'Schelomo' was premiered on May 13, 1917. The piece, subtitled 'Hebrew Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra,' is a notable work in the classical music repertoire. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 May First Pulitzer Prizes awarded: The first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded on May 15, 1917. These prizes recognized excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition, and have since become prestigious awards in their respective fields. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Dec Birth of Rufo I Wever, Aruban musician: Rufo I Wever, a notable Aruban musician, was born on December 8, 1917. He became known for his contributions to the music scene in Aruba, particularly in the genres of folk and traditional music. Wever's work has had a lasting impact on the cultural heritage of Aruba. source: britannica.com
What happened in 1917?
Discover what the world looked like in 1917: