The preservation and promotion of Danish jazz history is currently a highly fragmented area, spread across several institutions in Denmark and other parts of Europe, as well as among private collectors. In the coming years, JazzDanmark aims to contribute to the preservation of Danish jazz history and its ongoing narrative, both now and in the future. To support this, we are launching the project Danish Jazz 100 Years, which will include a series of preservation and outreach initiatives.

Jazz made its way into Denmark during the 1920s—meaning it has been present for 100 years. This project aims to place the preservation of Danish jazz history on the cultural policy agenda and, of course, to promote and celebrate this rich, century-long history.

From 2024 to 2026, Danish Jazz 100 Years will lead to a variety of initiatives, including publications, podcasts, events, and a broad invitation to jazz players across the country to join in the celebration.

Historical preservation of jazz

Following an open call, JazzDanmark has established a group that contributes in various ways to mapping and preserving Danish jazz collections. This work will result in a publication and will likely make a lasting impact on the preservation and promotion of these valuable, historic collections.

Celebrating 100 years of history

In the 1920s, Valdemar Eiberg became the first Dane to own a saxophone, and Sam Wooding’s Jazz Band were the first American musicians to play in Copenhagen. In the years that followed, jazz icons like Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, and many more performed in Denmark. The Danish jazz scene enjoyed its first golden age in the 1930s and 1940s, while 1960s Copenhagen emerged as a true global center for jazz.

Danish jazz has remained vibrant and dynamic, continuing to make its mark internationally. A distinctive Nordic sound, experimental jazz, and modern soul/jazz hybrids are just a few directions that indicate the future path of Danish jazz. These movements, histories, and all the remarkable music will be showcased through nationwide events, exhibitions, publications, and podcasts.

Past, present and future on the cultural policy agenda

The project’s two pillars—preservation and promotion—are designed to secure jazz’s place in the public consciousness and on the cultural policy agenda. The goal is for jazz to have a stronger presence in public budgets, gain greater support from foundations, and be embraced by music lovers and Danes in general.

• 2024: The mapping of Danish jazz collections is in full swing.
• Fall 2025: The Guide to Danish Jazz Collections is published.
• December 2025: We launch the “Danish Jazz 100 Years” umbrella event at DMA Jazz 2025.
• Spring 2026: Experience the newly developed “Danish Jazz 100 Years” exhibition at Ragnarock.
• 2026: A new podcast is released as a follow-up to Dangerous Sounds – The Story of Danish Jazz.
• 2026: An extensive Danish Jazz 100 Years publication is unveiled.
• 2026: “Danish Jazz 100 Years” events roll out across the country – come and join the celebration!