Events in 1920
- American jazz trumpeter, arranger, and composer Charlie Shavers was born in New York City. Early in his career, he gave 1917 as his birth year to circumvent child labor laws, which led to the incorrect year appearing in some older biographies.
- Rhythm and blues singer and songwriter Percy Mayfield was born, known for the songs “Please Send Me Someone to Love” and “Hit the Road Jack.”
- Detroit station 8MK began broadcasting. In October 1921 it received a commercial license and became station WBL; on March 3, 1922, its call sign was changed to WWJ after it became apparent that WBL could easily be misheard when received. The station broadcasts at 950 AM and is described as the first American radio station to begin regular broadcasting.
- Influential jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Charlie Parker, nicknamed Bird, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He developed the innovative style known as bebop, which influenced musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.