The Jazz Years: People, Migration and Music in Amsterdam, 1930–1939

Jazz

Jazz musicians came from the United States, Eastern Europe, Suriname, the Caribbean and, of course, Amsterdam itself. Big names such as Freddy Johnson, Boy Edgar, Teddy Cotton and Kid Dynamite lived and worked here. World-famous stars such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway performed in the city, whilst lesser-known but no less important artists such as Rosie Poindexter, Alma Braaf and Clara de Vries also left their mark.

Vijzelstraat and Rembrandtplein

Vijzelstraat played a key role in this: a modern, metropolitan street that was significant both as a residential area and as a stage for musicians. The Carlton Hotel brought greats such as Armstrong (1933) and Calloway (1934) to a Dutch audience. Around Rembrandtplein, jazz clubs such as La Gaité in Tuschinski, The Palace and the Kit Kat Club flourished, where a diverse and curious audience enjoyed the music and the atmosphere.