#1 Charleston. Four versions TOP 40 CHARLESTON SONGS of the 1920s.

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1. JAMES P. JOHNSON. Composer of the song "Charleston", this is the original stride piano version.

2. THE VARSITY EIGHT. .In the first few years after 1917 the Original Dixieland Jass Band had begun to make its famous series of Victor discs, popular music was mostly recorded by small (usually five-piece) groups playing in the Original Dixieland Jass Band tradition. In the early 1920's, however, it became apparent that there was a growing demand for jazz-flavored dance music. In November 1921 a nine-piece group assembled in the Vocalion recording studio to wax two titles, The Sheik and Georgia Rose, which were issued as '"Played by The California Ramblers", A few years later they were re-named "the Varsity Eight."

3. PAUL WHITEMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA. One of the most popular band leaders of the 1920s and 30s, this was one of numerous Whiteman's big hits.

4. DJANGO REINHARDT. This may the swingingest version. With Stephane Grappell, Django unleashes a blistering version of "Charleston."

To learn about "the Charleston" and the music of the 1920s, read the book, "DOIN' THE CHARLESTON: BLACK ROOTS OF AMERICAN POPULAR MUSIC & THE JENKINS ORPHANAGE LEGACY.