The music of the Harlem Renaissance was predominantly jazz.
Jazz is American music characterized by improvisation, and ensemble playing among other things.
Jazz music stemmed from Negro spirituals sung in previous centuries, and was played on the theory that an infinite amount of melodies can fit the chord progression of any composition. Some of the great jazz musicians and performers will be featured on this page and you will get a better understanding and feel for the entertainment enjoyed by many, both black and white during the Harlem Renaissance. Ellington was born April 29, 1899. His father was James William Ellington. He had little education, yet he still developed good speech, dress, and deportment.