1924

What Was Happening in 1924

Lenin died, Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue, and the first Winter Olympics were held

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1924 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"It Had to Be You"

Isham Jones Orchestra

One of the great jazz standards of the era, 'It Had to Be You' was a hit in 1924 and has been covered endlessly since. It perfectly captured the romantic optimism of the mid-twenties.

US #1

"It Had to Be You"

Isham Jones Orchestra

Written by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn, this became one of the defining songs of the Jazz Age. It would go on to appear in countless films, most famously in When Harry Met Sally decades later.

Biggest Films of 1924 — Box Office Hits

The Thief of Bagdad

Box Office: $2.3 million

Douglas Fairbanks starred in this lavish fantasy adventure, one of the most ambitious silent films ever made. Its spectacular sets and special effects — including a flying carpet — made it a box-office sensation.

Fashion and Style of 1924

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1924

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1924

More About 1924

What Was Happening — A journey through the years