WJAZ (Chicago)

WJAZ was a pioneering jazz radio station that operated in Chicago during the 1920s. Owned and operated by the Zenith Radio Corporation, it began broadcasting on May 3, 1922. The station's call letters, WJAZ, reflected Zenith's association with jazz music.

WJAZ is notable for its early and extensive programming of live jazz performances, featuring many prominent Chicago jazz musicians of the era. The station played a significant role in popularizing jazz music across a wider audience during the early days of radio broadcasting. Its location in Chicago, a major center for jazz music at the time, further contributed to its influence.

The station's programming included both local and national talent, showcasing a diverse range of jazz styles. WJAZ's broadcasts helped to establish jazz as a legitimate and popular form of entertainment, contributing to its cultural significance and enduring appeal.

After several years of operation, WJAZ's broadcasting license was eventually transferred to WDAP, another Chicago radio station. While its lifespan was relatively short, WJAZ holds an important place in the history of radio and the development of jazz music in the United States.