While the origin of jazz music is a debated subject, none can deny that it has evolved over the decades. From swing to bebop, the jazz genre underwent several changes to imbibe the unique elements of the then American culture. Moreover, the period also saw the rise of phenomenal legends who dared to experiment with the genre thereby giving it a fresh appeal before the public. Being an ardent swing fan, you sure have come across the songs by Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. Haven’t you? You can turn on the frequency of the number one big band radio to enjoy the groundbreaking swing hits from the golden age. In the 1930s and 1940s, big bands played a pivotal role in popularizing swing music among the American mass. Even today, people across generations rejoice in the yesteryear swing music and tap their feet to its beats. Such is the irresistible charm of swing and big band music! In this article, we will further trigger your interest by sharing some important milestones in the history of swing music.
Important developments and events in the swing music
1. Louis Armstrong and scat singing – “Heebie Jeebies” is a masterpiece by Louis Armstrong and a forever favorite among the jazz lovers. The inclusion of scat-style singing became the chief reason for the phenomenal success of the song. Armstrong adapted the style so well that people identify this quirky fashion of singing with him even to this day. Needless to say, this historic experimentation encouraged Ella Fitzgerald, another swing legend, to try her vocals in scat-singing in later period.
2. Duke Ellington’s performance at the Cotton Club – With his band performing at the Cotton Club of New York, Duke Ellington became a star overnight. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with this young bandleader who had a commanding on-stage presence. Ellington’s year-long association with the Cotton Club augmented his popularity among the Americans. It is interesting to note that Duke Ellington was one of the few African-American musicians who got featured at this only-for-whites establishment.
3. White band leaders earn the spotlight – From the 1930s to the mid of 1940s, the popularity of swing music began dwindling. During this time, the white band leaders such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey improvised the genre and brought a fresh collection of big band and swing music. With back to back hits, every band competed for the top spot. No wonder, their scores are still cherished and played in major radio stations.
4. Kansas City Jazz and Count Basie – The loose rhythmic flow of jazz was not known to many people until Count Basie popularized it across New York and other parts of America. Without being stiff like the traditional form of jazz, the style originating in Kansas City had the bluesy feel. By the 1940s, the band became an international success thereby proliferating the reach of this unique swing and blues combination.
5. Benny Goodman at the Carnegie Hall – The King of Swing, Benny Goodman ruled the Carnegie Hall with an incredible performance in 1938. His revolutionary concert also included a segment called “Twenty Years of Jazz” that featured musical stars like Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa, and Harry James. Further, an extended jam comprised performances by Count Basie and Duke Ellington Orchestras.
Conclusion – The above-discussed events mark important events, developments, and achievements in the history of jazz and swing music. These feats underscore the steady evolution of music and the changes in the cultural paraphernalia of America. Being America’s very own classic music, jazz and swing shall never go out of style. To enjoy big hits from the golden age of swing, tune into Swing Street Radio, the most popular big band music station in the USA.
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