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.
