On March 13, 1919, a letter appeared from the Axeman, the serial killer terrorizing New Orleans. He'd spare any home where jazz was playing on March 19. That night, every dance hall was packed. Bands played in houses across the city. Nobody died.
The Terror
The Axeman attacked from May 1918 through October 1919, targeting Italian grocers. At least six people were killed. The killer was never caught.
The Letter
The Axeman's letter promised to spare homes where jazz bands played. New Orleans responded by throwing a citywide jazz party. A local composer wrote "The Mysterious Axman's Jazz" which became a hit.
Dirty Coast Connection
Strange Things Below Sea Level acknowledges the city's darker corners. Jazz Is Democracy: in 1919, jazz literally saved lives. Be A New Orleanian Wherever You Are.
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