How Did Swing Music Withstand the Blow of Great Depression?

While The Great Depression is considered to be a blot in the economic history of America, this period of crisis fuelled the development and popularity of swing, a subgenre of jazz. It was during this time, jazz, as a music style, touched the core of people’s lives. Though the genre defines and is integral to Americal cultural heritage, jazz has its roots branched out in many directions. The style is characterized by African traditional elements, European military musical essence, and American folk expression. The greatness of jazz is still alive and felt across the world today. Jazz lovers can tune into Swing Street Radio to enjoy old time radio recording in the USA. However, with the setting in of the depression, cultural ecosystems of the country saw a major transformation in sound and appeal of jazz. Despite the economy shattering like never before, Americans found their perfect solace in the sound of swing. 

Factors Leading to the Inception of Swing

The topsy turvy condition of the American economy threw several recording companies out of business. The yesteryear jazz pioneers were in crisis due to the loss of work. At this juncture, Harlem dance halls saw a steady influx of visitors who enjoyed shaking their legs to the big band music. These developments sowed seeds for the swing genre, wherein the dance bands performed before the public in ballrooms. The Great Depression surely pushed people to financial turmoil but kindled their interest in music that rose above any kind of racial and social divisions. Swing and big band music swept the mass off its feet and wielded a revolutionary effect.

The Popularity of Radio As an Entertainment Medium

The popularity of radio as a medium of entertainment skyrocketed during the 1930s. Radios became a common fixture in every household. Even the political leaders would appear on radio shows to influence people and boost their morale. On the other hand, with the recording industry struggling to find its lost ground, companies began selling radio on a large scale. This marked the beginning of people’s exposure to various kinds of music. The craze for swing and big band crossed the boundaries of Harlem balls and pervaded into the radio platform. Amidst the economic disorder, Americans found peace and recreation in big band radio that played swing music non-stop. Overall, people regained their lost vigor in the beats of big band music.

The Rise of New Musical Stars

While the previous jazz styles were dominated by African-American musicians, the swing was improvised and popularised by white composers and arrangers. As the Great Depression dismantled the barriers among race, class, section, and age, the white people had now greater access to swing music. With the popularity of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong taking a back seat, new musicians like Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller came into the limelight. It is worth mentioning that the collaboration between Benny Goodman and Fletcher Henderson symbolized racial tolerance and socio-cultural harmony back then. 

Swing at the Peak of Fame

Even Hollywood could not resist the influence of swing music. The incorporation of swing in movies and TV shows opened a new avenue of entertainment. During the late 1930s, when the economic crisis was on its last legs, the recording industry banked upon talented swing singers to strengthen its business once again. More than fifty million records were sold in 1939 alone.

Conclusion - Swing and big band music offered an escapade to the worn-out Americans amid an economic disarray. Do you want to enjoy the timeless music and swing along with it once again? Then tune into Swing Street Radio and enjoy old time radio recording in the USA.