When you think of The Great Gatsby, it’s impossible not to envision the 1920s—flappers, lavish parties, prohibition-era cocktails, and of course, the music. Music has always been an essential part of the story’s adaptations, serving as a bridge between eras and moods. Whether it’s the jazz mentioned in Fitzgerald’s novel, the vintage tunes from the 1974 film, the modern twists in the 2013 adaptation, or the musical interpretations of text in the new musicals, each soundtrack captures the glitz, glamor, and heartbreak of Gatsby’s world.
What was the Jazz Age?
The Jazz Age, spanning the 1920s, was a time of cultural change marked by the rise of jazz music, speakeasies, and a carefree, rebellious spirit in the wake of World War I. This period saw a break from traditional norms as people embraced more liberal social behaviors and extravagance. In The Great Gatsby, the Jazz Age is central to both the setting and themes, highlighting the clash between wealth and morality, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Some of the songs mentioned in the original text include “The Sheik of Araby” sung by a group of young women at one of Gatsby’s parties, “Ain’t We Got Fun” mentioned during a conversation between Daisy and Gatsby, and “Three O’Clock in the Morning” a waltz at one of the parties.
Music in the 1974 Film
The 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby remains faithful to the Jazz Age through its soundtrack, which captures the authentic feel of the 1920s. The music, including both new compositions and period pieces, was chosen to immerse viewers in the decadent world Fitzgerald created. Iconic jazz numbers alongside fresh orchestral compositions play a vital role in portraying the characters’ emotions and the era’s opulence. If you want to dive into this classic soundtrack, it offers a more traditional take on the novel’s musical backdrop.
Music in the 2013 Film
Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation took a bold and controversial approach by mixing modern music with a story set in the 1920s. Featuring artists like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Lana Del Rey, will.i.am, and Florence and the Machine, the soundtrack was met with mixed reactions. Some critics were confused by the decision to forgo an all-jazz soundtrack, but Luhrmann explained that he wanted today’s audiences to feel the same excitement that jazz evoked for Fitzgerald’s contemporaries. He used modern music to tap into the emotions of excess and grandeur that characterized Gatsby’s world. Tracks like “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey, with its haunting melodies, perfectly capture Daisy and Gatsby’s longing for youth and perfection. The music is one of the more divisive elements of the newer film, with some people writing off the whole movie because of the music choices. While it may be controversial, there are still great elements in these songs that are worth another listen.
While the movie focused on a lot more modern music, the backing music and a separate version of these songs with an original jazzy take also showed up throughout the film. If you are someone who didn’t like the new take, maybe check out these other playlists, focusing on the instrumental and jazz versions of this movie soundtrack.
The Musical Adaptations
Last but certainly not least, another example of how important music is to The Great Gatsby is the musical adaptation that premiered in the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2023. Starring Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada, the show became an instant hit and moved to Broadway in 2024. Many of the songs are inspired from lines in the book with songs like “Beautiful Little Fool” and “My Green Light” taking on iconic quotes while others like “Secondhand Suit” take small sections from the book and dive into them a bit deeper.
The first Great Gatsby musical was actually premiered back in 1926, but due to copyright expiring in 2021, there are now several takes on the story popping up. Another noteworthy musical adaptation, Gatsby: An American Myth, debuted in 2024 with lyrics and music by Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. Directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin, this version presents a darker and more experimental interpretation of the story.
Music has played a key role in bringing The Great Gatsby to life, whether through the jazz of the 1920s or modern tracks that evoke the same emotions for today’s audiences. Each soundtrack, from film to stage, enhances the themes of glamour, desire, and heartbreak that are found in the original text. Check out a new soundtrack today and see if you find a new connection!