Teaching the 1920s Jazz Age: The Legend and Legacy of Robert Johnson

By

Daniel Tobias Flint

Logo by CECILIA MARIE TATTOOS

The Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance

The 1920s in the United States, often referred to as The Jazz Age, was a decade defined by cultural, social, and musical revolution. This period followed the devastation of World War I and brought about a desire for joy, creativity, and expression, particularly among African Americans who sought opportunities in northern cities. The movement of millions of African Americans during The Great Migration brought vibrant cultural traditions to urban centers, including Chicago, New York, and Detroit.

At the heart of this cultural revival was the Harlem Renaissance, centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. This era fostered an outpouring of Black artistry and intellectualism, producing luminaries like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Louis Armstrong. Jazz music became the heartbeat of this movement. Its syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and soulful expression captured the spirit of the age. Musicians like Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith showcased African American brilliance, shaping American music for decades to come.

The Mystery and Legend of Robert Johnson

While the Harlem Renaissance elevated jazz to national prominence, blues music — born in the rural South — laid the foundation for much of what jazz and later rock music would become. At the center of blues mythology stands Robert Johnson.

Born in Mississippi in 1911, Johnson’s life and career remain shrouded in mystery and myth. The most famous story claims that Johnson sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for unmatched mastery of the guitar. This legend, reminiscent of Faustian tales, is deeply embedded in his music. Songs like "Cross Road Blues" and "Me and the Devil Blues" reference themes of the supernatural, fate, and personal struggle, reflecting the hardships faced by Black Americans in the Jim Crow South.

Despite his short life — Johnson died in 1938 at the age of 27 — his music became legendary after his death. The 1991 album The Complete Recordings earned a Grammy and introduced new generations to his work. Artists such as Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones cite Johnson as a profound influence, demonstrating his enduring legacy.

Teaching Robert Johnson and the Blues in the Classroom

When I teach my students about the 1920s and the origins of jazz, I incorporate Robert Johnson’s music to show the interconnectedness of jazz and blues. Using Johnson’s "Cross Road Blues" and "Me and the Devil Blues", I guide students in exploring how blues artists expressed hardship, resilience, and creativity.

This is one of the micro lessons I enjoy sharing with my students and it allows to have some fun with music.

Activities Using the National Archives

I utilize resources like the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration ’ Analyze a Sound Recording Worksheet. This tool allows students to critically engage with Johnson’s recordings by answering key questions:

Document: https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets/analyze-a-sound-recording-intermediate

• What is the mood and tone of the music?
• What themes are evident in the lyrics?
• How does the music reflect the time period?

For example, when analyzing "Cross Road Blues", students connect the “crossroads” imagery to both its literal and metaphorical meanings: a physical meeting point in rural Mississippi and a symbolic place of decision and transformation. We discuss the significance of the devil in African American folklore, as well as its broader reflection of societal struggles.

Connecting Blues to Jazz and the Jazz Age

I then bridge the blues to the Jazz Age by examining the evolution of music from the rural South to the urban North. Students learn how the improvisational style of blues influenced jazz artists in cities like Chicago and New York. We explore how themes in Johnson’s music — alienation, hardship, and hope — were also echoed in jazz performances of the time.

Finally, I encourage students to reflect on how music serves as a form of historical storytelling. Through the works of Robert Johnson, they gain an appreciation for how art expresses human experiences and struggles while shaping cultural movements like the Harlem Renaissance.

The story of Robert Johnson, steeped in mystery and legend, provides a powerful lens for teaching the Jazz Age and the Harlem Renaissance. By incorporating Johnson’s music into classroom activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the origins of jazz and blues while connecting with the voices of the past. Through resources like the National Archives, they learn to analyze music as a primary source, uncovering the stories of resilience, creativity, and transformation that continue to define American history and culture.

This is why I love teaching for Duval County Public Schools