Anyone who is acquainted with swing music knows that the big band era was noted not only for phenomenal male vocalists or band leaders but also for incredible women singers. But, it would wrong to think that women vocalists were only numbered and limited to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday. Although they have been identified with the swing era more than any other woman signers, there were other female vocalists and even girl groups that made their mark in the swing and jazz history of America. Tune into the swing music station in USA and enjoy hit tracks by extremely popular as well as lesser-known women singers. Do you want to know the names of women singers of the big band era? You’re in the right place. In this blog, we will discuss some popular female vocalists and bands that sold millions of records and even gained a loyal fan following. So, let us start.
Ivie Anderson – Considered the “good luck charm” by Duke Ellington, Ivie Anderson was the female vocalist of the legend’s orchestra for over a decade. Although she started as a solo singer and performed in NYC’s Cotton Club, and Los Angeles’ bands of Curtis Mosby, Paul Howard, and Sonny Clay, Anderson got her biggest break with Ellington’s band in 1931. Recorded in 1932, "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" featured Anderson for the first time which became an instant hit. Along with recording several scores with the band, Ivie Anderson toured widely with The Duke Ellington Band.
The Boswell Sisters – Consisting of Helvetia “Vet” Boswell, Connee Boswell, and Martha Boswell, the band became popular for creating rhythmic experimentations and intricate harmonies. Apart from touring Europe, they dominated the radio scene by appearing over 10 times on entertainment shows hosted by Bing Crosby on CBS. Further, the band’s popularity was cemented after they had collaborated with notable swing musicians like Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and the Dorsey Brothers. Today, their scores are still played and enjoyed on swing jazz radio.
Martha Tilton – With a pleasing personality and charming voice, Martha Tilton became the heartthrob of all men during the 1940s in America. Initially, she collaborated with the Jimmy Dorsey Band, but not a single record included her. After her brief association with a group named “Three Hits and a Miss”, she auditioned for the position of a female vocalist for Benny Goodman’s orchestra. Luckily, she was selected and continued being apart for the band for a long time within which she made 80 recordings with the band. Want to enjoy her wonderful voice once again? Tune into jazz music radio station in USA.
The Andrew Sisters – Initially, starting as a tribute music group to The Boswell Sisters, The Andrew Sisters soon impressed people with their style of music. With LaVerne Sophia, Maxene Anglyn, and Patricia Marie, the band delivered their first hit with “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön”. Not only did they sell more than 75 million records, but the sisters also starred in over 17 Hollywood movies. Apart from giving commercial hits, The Andrew Sisters played a huge role in boosting the morale of American soldiers during World War II with their music.
Helen Humes – With Billie Holliday leaving the Count Basie band, producer John Hammond was looking for an ideal replacement when he spotted Helen Humes singing at the Harlem's Renaissance Ballroom. During her days with Count Basie band, Humes gave the biggest performance of her life at Spirituals to Swing concert held at Carnegie Hall. After her successful collaboration with the band for over 4 years, she launched a successful solo career and explored the R&B genre for a while before going back to mainstream jazz in the 1950s.
Conclusion – Outshone by other artists, most female singers did not receive as much fame and popularity as they had deserved. Do you want to listen to the songs by such talented but overlooked female swing artists? Tune into swing music station in USA and learn the known and unknown facts of the swing music era along with enjoying wonderful music by all swing artists.
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