Hot Five

The "Hot Five" was a group of five pioneering jazz musicians led by cornet player Louis Armstrong in the early 1920s. They recorded a series of influential songs that helped define jazz as a major musical genre. The ensemble's innovative improvisations, expressive playing, and rhythmic vitality set new standards for jazz performance. Their recordings marked a turning point, showcasing how individual artistry and collective improvisation could create emotionally powerful and lively music. The Hot Five's work is considered foundational in the history of jazz, influencing countless musicians and shaping the future of the genre.