Prohibition in a Few Words

It wasn’t illegal to drink during Prohibition. The law prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol for consumption. In reality, doctors could prescribe alcohol for medicinal purposes, and patients could legally purchase it from pharmacies or directly from physicians.

To enforce the 18th Amendment, the National Prohibition Act, also known as the Volstead Act, was passed. While the 18th Amendment banned the production, sale, and transport of “intoxicating liquors,” it didn’t define what those were or specify penalties. The Volstead Act allowed states and the federal government to enforce the ban through “appropriate laws.” Its three distinct purposes were:

• Prohibiting intoxicating beverages
• Regulating the manufacture, sale, or transport of alcoholic beverages (but not consumption)
• Ensuring a sufficient supply of alcohol for scientific research and the development of fuel, dye, and other products.

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was a major force behind the 18th Amendment. They claimed as “scientific fact” that most beer drinkers died from edema (swelling of organs or the body). WCTU’s goal was to create a “sober and pure world.”

Popular speakeasies from Prohibition-era New York that still operate today include Landmark Tavern, 21 Club, and Flûte. Green Mill, Al Capone’s favorite spot in Chicago, is still open.

Speakeasies got their name because you had to whisper a password or name through a closed door to be let inside.

New York City had around 30,000 speakeasies!

A “blind pig” was a term for hidden bars where customers paid to see an attraction (like an animal) and received a free drink.

The Ku Klux Klan strongly supported Prohibition.

Cocktails became popular during this time because they masked the taste of poorly made alcohol. Popular cocktails included the Mary Pickford, French 75, Barbary Coast, Bee’s Knees, and Sidecar.

During Prohibition, supporters of the 18th Amendment tried to rewrite the Bible, removing all references to alcohol.

“Cruises to nowhere,” also known as “booze cruises,” emerged during Prohibition. Ships would sail into international waters where they could legally serve alcohol, usually sailing in circles. These cruises were also precursors to the luxury cruise industry; before this, people used ships mainly for travel (like transatlantic crossings).

It’s estimated that Al Capone made $60 million from alcohol sales in 1927 alone.

On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, ending Prohibition. This day is known as Repeal Day. Additionally, the 18th Amendment is unique among the 27 Amendments, as it’s the only one to be repealed by another (the 21st Amendment).

After the repeal of the 18th Amendment, President Roosevelt joked, “What America needs now is a drink.”

The first legal bottle of beer produced by the Abner Drury Brewery in Washington was delivered to President Roosevelt at the White House on April 14, 1933.

The Forbidden Fruit

The Prohibition Era in the United States, lasting from 1920 to 1933, led to significant social and cultural transformations. One of its most enduring legacies was the profound impact it had on the development and popularization of jazz music. This period, marked by the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages, became a catalyst for the rise of jazz as a dominant musical form in American culture.

Prohibition
To understand the relationship between Prohibition and jazz, we must first consider the origins of this initiative. The movement to ban alcohol in the United States was driven by a coalition of progressive reformers, religious groups, and temperance advocates who believed alcohol was the root cause of many social problems, including crime, poverty, and domestic violence. This movement gained momentum throughout the 20th century, culminating in the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution in 1919, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The Volstead Act, passed later that year, provided the legal framework for the enforcement of Prohibition, which officially began on January 17, 1920.

The intention behind Prohibition was to create a more orderly society with a higher degree of morality, free from the evils associated with alcohol consumption. In reality, the enforcement of Prohibition had the opposite effect. Rather than eliminating alcohol, it led to its production and sale on the black market and, consequently, the proliferation of illegal speakeasies, smuggling operations, and organized crime. These unintended consequences had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the 1920s, particularly on the rise of jazz music.

Speakeasies
One of the most significant ways Prohibition influenced the spread of jazz was through the rise of speakeasies, which operated in secret and served alcohol. With the legal sale of alcohol banned, these underground establishments became the primary social and entertainment venues of the 1920s. Jazz music, with its lively and rebellious spirit, became the soundtrack of speakeasy culture.

Speakeasies were often located in basements, back rooms, and other hidden locations to avoid detection by law enforcement. To gain access, patrons typically had to know a secret password or have a membership card. These establishments catered to a diverse clientele, from workers to wealthy elites, and quickly became hubs of social interaction and cultural exchange. The atmosphere of the speakeasy, with its air of forbidden fruit and its mix of people from different backgrounds, provided the perfect environment for the development of jazz.

Jazz
Jazz music, which had its roots in the African-American communities of New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century, had already gained popularity by the time Prohibition was enacted. This musical genre was a fusion of various traditional styles, including ragtime, blues, and brass band music, characterized by syncopated rhythms, improvisation, and an expressive style. Initially performed on the streets, in dance halls, and in brothels of New Orleans, jazz quickly spread to other major cities like Chicago, New York, and Kansas City.

The migration of African Americans from the rural South to urban centers in the North during the Great Migration played a crucial role in the spread of jazz. As black musicians moved to cities like Chicago and New York, they brought with them the sounds of New Orleans jazz, which began to evolve and take on new forms in these urban settings. Chicago, in particular, became a major hub for jazz in the 1920s, with the South Side of the city serving as the epicenter of the jazz scene.

Jazz musicians were in high demand during Prohibition, as speakeasy owners sought to attract patrons with live music performances. This demand provided many African-American musicians with unprecedented opportunities for employment and exposure, allowing them to reach a broader audience than ever before. Jazz performances in speakeasies were often characterized by spontaneity and improvisation, reflecting the clandestine nature of the venues themselves.

The 1920s are often referred to as the “Jazz Age,” a term popularized by writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose novels, such as The Great Gatsby, captured the spirit of the era. Jazz became synonymous with exuberance, modernity, and cultural dynamism, and its syncopated rhythms and improvised style were seen as a reflection of the broader social changes occurring in American society, including the relaxation of traditional social norms, the rise of consumer culture, and the increased visibility of African-American culture.

The Jazz Age was also marked by a growing fascination with African-American culture, particularly among white Americans. This interest, often referred to as “Negrophilia,” was reflected in the popularity of jazz music, as well as in other forms of black cultural expression, such as dance and visual art. However, this fascination was often tinged with exoticism and racism, as white audiences and critics tended to view jazz as a primitive and instinctual form of music, rather than as a sophisticated art.

Despite racial prejudice, jazz provided African-American musicians with a platform to challenge dominant cultural narratives and assert their artistic and intellectual sovereignty. Figures such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith emerged as some of the most influential figures of the era, pushing the boundaries of jazz and transforming it into a complex and versatile genre.

The popularity of jazz during Prohibition also had significant social implications. Jazz was seen by many as a symbol of modernity and liberation, particularly in challenging traditional gender roles and racial boundaries. The jazz scene of the 1920s was marked by a sense of freedom and experimentation, both in the music and in the social dynamics it fostered.

For women, the Jazz Age offered new opportunities for self-expression and independence. The “flappers” became the iconic figure of the era, representing a new generation of women who rejected the restrictive norms of Victorian femininity in favor of a freer lifestyle. Young women embraced jazz music, dancing the Charleston and other “scandalous” dances in speakeasies and nightclubs. Jazz provided the musical backdrop for this cultural rebellion, and female jazz musicians such as singer Bessie Smith and pianist Lil Hardin Armstrong played key roles in this landscape.

Jazz also played a significant role in challenging racial segregation. While the United States was still deeply divided along racial lines, jazz music brought together people of different races and backgrounds in unprecedented ways. More and more integrated jazz bands began to emerge, particularly in cities like New York, where the Harlem Renaissance—a cultural movement celebrating African-American artistic achievement—was in full swing. Venues like the Cotton Club in Harlem became famous for their jazz performances, attracting a mixed audience, though the club itself was segregated and often excluded black patrons.

The interracial interactions facilitated by jazz, though limited, represented a challenge to the rigid social order of the time. Jazz musicians, both black and white, often collaborated and influenced each other’s styles, leading to the development of new forms of jazz, such as swing. The music itself, with its emphasis on improvisation and collaboration, embodied the possibility of a more inclusive and democratic society.

As the 1920s came to a close, the failures of Prohibition became increasingly apparent. Not only did the law fail to reduce alcohol consumption, but it also contributed to the rise of organized crime, the spread of corruption, and the general disregard for the law. By the early 1930s, public opinion had turned against Prohibition, and the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment, was ratified in 1933.

The end of Prohibition also marked the end of an era for jazz music. The speakeasies, which had been the birthplace of jazz in the 1920s, began to close, and the music itself started to evolve in new directions. The 1930s were marked by the rise of swing, a more refined and orchestrated form of jazz that became the dominant style of the Big Band era. Swing was characterized by “smooth,” danceable rhythms and arranged compositions, as opposed to the more spontaneous and improvised style of jazz.

The commercialization of jazz in the 1930s also led to a greater degree of professionalization among jazz musicians. The informal, often chaotic environment of the speakeasies was replaced by more formal venues, such as concert halls and radio broadcasts, where jazz was performed for mainstream audiences. This shift helped jazz to gain wider recognition as a serious musical genre, but it also caused tensions within the jazz community, as some musicians felt that the music was losing its original spirit of innovation and rebellion.

Despite these changes, the legacy of the Prohibition era continued to shape jazz in the decades that followed. The association of the music with the cultural dynamism and social upheaval of the 1920s remained a central part of its identity, and jazz continued to be seen as a symbol of modernity and freedom. Its improvisational and collaborative nature, forged in the underground clubs of the Prohibition era, became a defining feature of the genre, influencing generations of musicians and composers.

By Moonlight, Against the Law

During Prohibition (1919-1933), the manufacturing and transportation of alcohol were banned, but, paradoxically, consuming alcohol was never actually illegal under federal law.
“Moonshine” is a term used to describe high-proof distilled spirits, generally produced illicitly. The name “moonshine” is believed to have originated from “moonrakers,” a term used for early English smugglers, and from the clandestine nature (i.e., by moonlight) of the operations run by illegal distillers in Appalachia, who produced and distributed homemade whiskey.

Today, “moonshine” typically refers to homemade spirits, which remain illegal in the United States for different reasons, primarily because they cannot be taxed. Unlike beer and wine, it is illegal to produce moonshine without a license.

Those who illicitly produced moonshine (a type of whiskey) did so at night, in hidden locations—often deep in the woods—constantly evading law enforcement. A 1922 article from the Evening Independent, a newspaper in St. Petersburg, Florida, recounted a story about moonshiners who wore so-called “cow shoes” or crafted footwear with backward-facing heels to throw authorities off their trail by misleading trackers about the direction they were walking.

The “cow shoe” was a metal strip attached to a block of carved wood shaped like a cow’s hoof, fixed to the sole of the shoes. Instead of leaving suspicious footprints leading to their secret distilleries, moonshiners left innocent hoof prints in the dirt and grass. One such diversion device was discovered near Port Tampa, alongside a still. It was sent to the Prohibition Department in Washington, where officers speculated that the idea had been inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story.

Clandestine Whispers

In 1917, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was drafted, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors,” and the following year it was adopted nationwide. Dubbed the “noble experiment” by Herbert Hoover, 75% of the states approved the amendment, and it was ratified on January 16, 1919. In 1920, the Volstead Act was passed to enforce the amendment.

Although it seemed saloons were closed for a brief period, they were simply “hidden” in basements, attics, and lofts or disguised as other businesses like cafés, soda shops, and entertainment venues. Named for the need to whisper—speakeasy—these numerous clandestine taverns quickly became established institutions, so much so that it was said every legitimate saloon that closed was replaced by half a dozen illegal gin joints.

Much like the saloons, prostitution and gambling flourished in speakeasies. However, they introduced a new element for their patrons—drugs. Many who had never come into contact with such substances found a new source of “entertainment” in the permissive atmosphere of speakeasies. Narcotics, hashish, and marijuana soon became widely used.

Jazz as an Element of Identity

Jazz music is a cornerstone of African-American cultural heritage, serving as a significant expression of the Black experience in America. Emerging from African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jazz blends elements of blues, ragtime, and traditional African rhythms. Its origins can be traced to the city of New Orleans, a true cultural melting pot where African, Caribbean, and European influences merged.

Jazz introduced new musical concepts such as improvisation, syncopation, and complex rhythms. These elements reflected the creativity and resilience of African-Americans in the face of adversity.

Jazz became a way for Black musicians to assert their identity and showcase their art during a time when racial discrimination was widespread. It gave voice to the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African-Americans.

In the 1920s, the Harlem Renaissance movement saw jazz as a symbol of cultural pride and intellectual empowerment. Artists like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong gained recognition, helping elevate jazz to the status of a respected art form.

Jazz also contributed to breaking down racial divisions in certain social spaces, such as “black and tan” clubs, where people of different races could gather. Additionally, it influenced other musical genres globally, demonstrating the universal appeal of African-American art.

Prohibition, Jazz, and Other Influences (Marijuana)

The Prohibition era (1920-1933) in the United States was a period marked by the national ban on alcoholic beverages, which brought significant changes to American culture, including in jazz music and perceptions of marijuana. Although Prohibition aimed to reduce crime and promote public morality, the ban on alcohol led to the rise of speakeasies and a flourishing black market for alcohol controlled by organized crime. In this atmosphere, jazz thrived, becoming a symbol of rebellion and a more liberal attitude, taking center stage in speakeasies and underground clubs.

Jazz, born in the African-American communities of New Orleans and influenced by ragtime, blues, and brass band music, flourished during Prohibition. Its association with speakeasies amplified its popularity and gave musicians exposure opportunities.

Marijuana, though not as strongly linked to jazz as alcohol, was criminalized by the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, influenced by racial prejudices and media campaigns. While marijuana wasn’t as prevalent in jazz culture as alcohol, many musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway, used marijuana to stimulate creativity and relaxation.

The interaction between Prohibition, jazz, and marijuana reflects the social and cultural tensions of the time. While Prohibition failed to curb alcohol consumption and fueled illegal activities, jazz became emblematic of an era of change and experimentation. Marijuana was part of a broader cultural context, highlighting the controversies and social developments of the time. The legacy of this period continues to influence contemporary discussions about culture, law, and artistic expression.

Thank you for visiting the Music Gallery! We hope this exhibition helped you create a deeper connection with music. But we have one more thing…

Did you know that during Prohibition in New York and other big cities in the U.S., hidden bars called speakeasies were places where people secretly gathered to drink alcohol? In these secretive spaces, filled with whispers and secret codes, jazz found its home, and musicians improvised constantly in jam sessions.

We’ve recreated a bit of that atmosphere at the Pop-Up Listening Bar, open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, until October 26th. Here, you can listen to music and discover fascinating stories about the Prohibition era, how jazz flourished in these clandestine spaces, and how it influenced music history.

For more events, follow us at www.musicgallery.ro!