Shanghai’s Jazz Roots: How The Paramount Shaped China’s Music Scene

As the world grooves to International Jazz Day on April 30, let’s rewind to 1920s Shanghai—where neon lights, art deco vibes, and the iconic Paramount ballroom birthed China’s jazz revolution. Imagine a young Jin Huaizu (aka Jimmy King) soaking up live jazz at this legendary venue, dreaming of a homegrown band that would make history.

Fast-forward to 1947: The Paramount’s owner hands Jimmy the mic to assemble China’s first all-Chinese jazz band. Enter Zheng Deren, a bass virtuoso who’d later be called the 'master of the double bass,' blending traditional Chinese melodies with sizzling jazz rhythms. Together, they turned The Paramount into a melting pot of cultures, where East met West in every soulful riff.

Fun fact: The Jimmy King Band wasn’t just music—it was a rebellion! Their fusion of big band energy and Chinese folk tunes became the soundtrack of a city pulsing with youth and innovation. Today, Shanghai’s jazz scene still echoes their legacy, proving that great beats transcend borders.

Reference(s):

The Paramount Shanghai, the birthplace of Chinese Jazz

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