Akron's Robust Jazz History

Arts Midwest recently published an article on the jazz scene in the 1930s in Akron, Ohio. During this time, Akron was the perfect stop for musicians traveling. Famous musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington performed in Akron. By 1920, Akron’s population was over 210,000 with most of the Black population residing on Howard Street between Downtown and West Akron. This area was given the nickname “Little Harlem” where entertainment and Black-owned businesses such as restaurants, salons, barber shops, and more flourished.

Akron’s jazz heritage continues thanks to the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival founded by Theron Brown, a jazz pianist and one of our many arts community leaders.

Photo Courtesy of The University of Akron: Howard Street: Elks Club Parade on Howard Street, c. 1940, The Horace and Evelyn Stewart Photograph Collection, The University of Akron Archives and Special Collections.

Thank you to Arts Midwest for this incredible article on Akron's robust jazz history, and how it is being celebrated and revitalized today with help from local musicians, students, and The University of Akron. Read the full article by Rose Vance-Grom here.