By 1920, there had begun a mass exodus of New Orleans musicians to Chicago and other places. This was due in part to the US government's insistence that the Storyville area of New Orleans be closed down. Not all of the New Orleans musicians left as Storyville was only one venue and there were still plenty of places to play jazz and more than a few patrons who wanted to hear it.

Armand Piron was one notable musican who stayed in the city though he made a trip to New York to perform at the Cotton Club around 1920 and while in the city recorded his own material as well as songs by some New York City musicians including Fletcher Henderson.