Garry Moore is the host and narrator and introduces many of the original 1920's groups from Chicago where a new brand of jazz was developing. Its history in music and folk lore is recalled by old hands at jazz: Red Allen, Lil Armstrong, Buster Bailey, Mae Barnes, Eddie Condon, Bud Freeman, Johnny Guarnieri, Bob Haggart, Milt Hinton, Gene Krupa, Meade Lux Lewis, Jimmy McPartland, Al Minns and Leon James, Kid Ory, Pee Wee Russell, Blossom Seeley, Johnny St. Cyr, Zutty Singleton, Joe Sullivan and Jack Teagarden. Seen on film: Bix Biederbecke, Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong. Musical director of the hour-long, filmed and taped show is Bernard Green. Written and produced by William Nichols. Director: James Elson.