5 Greatest Swing Jazz Pianists You Should Listen to Today!

 What is swing music without its unpredictable and exciting rhythmic beats? Being one of the most used instruments in big band arrangements, the role of the piano in enlivening swing music is incredible, to say the least. No matter which big band you talk about, the pianists added a great punch to the entire rhythmic section of the band and took the overall performance to the next level. You can never be a loyal fan of swing music unless you have learned about the musicians who played a pivotal role in giving this genre the exposure and popularity it rightfully commanded. In this blog, we talk about the swing pianists that enriched the old-time radiorecording in the USA and swept Americans off their feet in the early twentieth century. 

Fats Waller – Having studied piano from the virtuoso jazz pianist James P. Johnson, Fat Waller mastered this instrument from a very early age. Apart from his greatest hits like “Honeysuckle Rose”, “Squeeze Me”, and “Ain’t Misbehavin”, Waller earned astounding recognition for his work on piano solos under his contract with Victor Records. He was not only a gifted pianist, but Fats Waller gained prominence for his songwriting abilities as well. Even though he was phenomenally popular for being a comedic entertainer, none could look away from his musical expertise.

 

Count Basie – Although he preferred playing drums during his childhood, Count Basie turned his attention towards piano at the age of 15. As an ardent swing jazz fan, you must already know that Basie was one of the notable big band leaders in the twentieth century. Not only was he a fantastic music arranger, but Basie had earned an unparalleled feat for having led the group on piano for nearly 50 years.

 

James P. Johnson – Not many of you might have heard about him, but Johnson was one of the early pioneers in stride piano playing style. He was so great at his art that he heavily influenced musicians like Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. It was Johnson who transformed the course of modern jazz piano in the early twentieth century. In fact, “Carolina Shout”, one of his very famous piano compositions, is known to be the first recorded piano solo in the history of jazz.

 

Nat King Cole – Do you swoon every time the hit tracks of Nat King Cole are played on the swingmusic radio? After all, who would not fall the smooth silky voice of this legend? Apart from his amazing vocals, Cole was also famous for his stupendous piano playing skills. Moreover, the credit must be given to Nat King Cole for having inspired the best jazz piano trio format in the swing era. Even to this day, the music critics would agree that the rhythmic and harmonic advancements in his piano style helped him stand out from the contemporaries of that period.

 

Duke Ellington – The list would be far from complete if we did not talk about the king of jazz. None can deny that Duke Ellington was one of the popular jazz composers the swing era had witnessed. Along with that, jazz musicians and fans also regarded him as the finest pianist of his time. Having mastered the Harem style of piano stride playing, Ellington introduced his originality and inventiveness as a pianist, and laid the foundation of his avant-garde musical works.

 

Final Words – So, here is the list of the top 5 renowned pianists of the swing era. Have you not listened to their compositions yet? Well, it’s never too late to discover some fantastic music, you see. Tune into the big band music station in the USA and enjoy the greatest hits by the jazz legends of the twentieth century. Hope you have a great time with non-stop swing music entertainment.

Top Swing Artists that Emerged from the Harlem Renaissance

 In the early 20th century, African-American families began migrating from Black Bohemia to Harlem, a neighborhood around New York City due to several factors such as the occurrence of natural disasters and World War I. Famously known as The Great Migration, this population explosion of African-American families turned Harlem into an epicenter of the cultural revolution of the blacks. If you have been a hardcore fan of swing & jazz, then you must have heard the term ‘Harlem Renaissance’. Yes, you’ve guessed it right. It is this socio-cultural revolution that has been popularly termed as renaissance centered in Harlem. During this golden age of dance, music, art, and performances, many black artists came to the fore of popularity. Even to this day, their songs are played on big band swing music radio. Do you want to know the artists who were intertwined with the Harlem Renaissance? Here, we will discuss and pay attribute to such musicians who are and will be etched in our hearts forever. 

 

Louis Armstrong – Born in New Orleans, Louis Armstrong played in small bands in Chicago. But in the late 1920s, Armstrong made his headway in NYC’s Harlem neighborhood. His first break in career came when he got the opportunity for playing music for the Fletcher Henderson Band in New York City. As he became a part of the most popular jazz band of Harlem, Louis Armstrong impacted the Northern audience tremendously. With his unique solos, the jazz legend introduced swing elements into the band’s music arrangement. Apart from music, Armstrong made his presence felt in the field of visual entertainment by becoming the first African-American artist to feature in a Hollywood movie. 

 

Duke Ellington – With over a thousand compositions to his credit, Duke Ellington moved from Washington DC to New York City with his music band. By virtue of his talent and experience, Ellington soon got the opportunity of performing at the famous Kentucky Club in NYC. Also, securing a three-year agreement of performing at the Cotton Club added a feather to the achievements of the band. Although he performed across regions and continents, Duke Ellington remained strongly connected to the socio-cultural fabric of New York City. In fact, the signature tune of the band ‘Take the A Train’ was based on a subway line in NYC. In 1974, Ellington breathed his last and was buried in Bronx of New York City. 

 

Billie Holiday – Popularly known as Lady Day, Billie Holiday started her career as a singer by performing at the night clubs of Harlem. After being noticed by John Hammond, the famous music producer, Holiday got her big break of recording for Benny Goodman’s orchestra. Although she performed regularly for the elite white audience, Billie Holiday was unafraid of talking about the plight of the black people through her music. In 1935, the singer gave back to back hits with ‘Miss Brown to you’ and ‘What a Little Moonlight Can Do’. Want to listen to these golden compositions once again? To enjoy old time radio recording in the USA, tune into Swing Street Radio.

 

Fats Waller – Any discussion on the Harlem Renaissance would remain incomplete without talking about Fats Waller, the incredibly talented jazz pianist. With wonderful compositions like ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, the musician laid the groundwork for jazz piano. Born and brought up in New York City, Waller was only 15 when he started performing in the Lincoln Theatre. Apart from featuring frequently in New York-based radio and entertainment shows, the artist also appeared in a handful of Hollywood movies. Even though he secured engagements in Chicago and Philadelphia, Waller was rooted in Harlem until he passed away.

 

Conclusion – The Harlem Renaissance contributed heavily towards the development of modern jazz & swing as well as manifested the cultural legacy of the African-American communities. Even after so many decades, the socio-cultural implications stemming from this renaissance are still deeply rooted in the social fabric of America. To keep alive the spirit and impact of such legendary musicians, you can tune into swing jazz radio and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Factors that Contributed to the Death of Swing Music

The swing music had swept every American off their feet through the 1920s and 1930s. This new form of music boosted the morale of American soldiers at the war front, while it helped in achieving racial harmony on the home front. There is no other genre of music that can be so strongly identified with the authentic American culture. The first half of the twentieth century had witnessed the prolific rise and popularity of the swingand big band music. But, what led to its decline by the final years of the same century? People who would flock to the dance halls to watch their favorite bid bands perform gradually turned their back to this form of music. Why did people’s listening habits change? Do you ever ponder over the theories that try justifying and explaining the fall of swing music? Well, in this blog, we shed light on such theories and explore the reasons for the downfall. 

 

What were the possible reasons for the downfall of swing music?

 

The Musician Strike – It was in 1942 that the American Federation of Musicians organized a strike against US recording companies over the issue of royalty. Lasting for two-year-long, this strike forbade the members of this federation to record for major companies of those times. Due to the strike, the union members who were big bands and orchestras missed out on the opportunity of being heard and eventually lost connection with the American population. But, solo vocalists who maintained a distance from the strike now capitalized on the opportunity and rose to popularity.

 

Memories of World War II – Although big bands played a key role in boosting the war spirit, Americans were hesitant to embrace the genre after the end of the war because it reminded them of everything associated with the tragedy. To start afresh, they tried distancing themselves from this style of music. Moreover, with Glenn Miller disappearing in a plane and never returning, swing music did not remain the same for the audience. It offered less solace and caused them tremendous mental turmoil instead.

 

Rise of Rock n Roll – After World War II, the next American generations shared little to no affinity with the big band swing music. Although bebop, a new variant of jazz came to the fore, it could not stand its ground and soon got overshadowed by the craze of rock n roll. While Elvis Presley had dominated throughout the 1950s, The Beatles created a revolutionary rage in the 1960s. With Americans diving into the magic of rock n roll, it became all clear that there was no turning back to the big band era anymore. 

 

Cabaret Tax Imposition – In 1944, the US government announced the passing of the cabaret tax to fund war efforts. The tax was levied against all public places that served refreshment and merchandise along with hosting dancing and music shows. It would not be wrong to say that this tax was like a nail in the coffin of the swing and big band music. To avoid the payment of taxes, night clubs began hiring small bands and overlooked the big band orchestras. These developments shifted swing jazz from ballrooms to small sit-down clubs. With large orchestras taking a back seat, the new genre of bebop came into prominence and appealed to new generations. 

 

Tension within the Genre – Several swing artists wanted jazz to be presented and enjoyed like classical music. Prominent bandleaders like Artie Shaw left the profession because of their reluctance to record swing music for dance. The failure to keep up with the latest listening habits of people could be considered as one of the reasons that toppled swing from its peak of popularity. 

 

Conclusion – It is not just one factor but all the points in combination that led to the decline of swing music. Notwithstanding its downfall, we still endeavor to keep the memories of the swing era, the age of original American music, alive through Swing Street Radio. To enjoy the greatest swing hits, you can tune into the frequency or visit the 24*7 online radio for the maximum entertainment. 

7 Swing Jazz Musicians You Must Listen to in Your Lifetime

The Golden Era of Swing Music, since its inception, was the best answer to jazz which saw several music lovers dancing their hearts out in the halls. The rise of big bands and small groups could only bring the best of music in the era, making it such a popular time in the history of swing music. Artists, during this period, developed several styles of their own, which only influenced several musicians to perform subsets of jazz and make a name of their own. Today, you can tune into a swing jazz music station and find yourself crooning to those songs.

The Top Seven Musicians of Swing Jazz Music

Whenever you think of swing jazz music, there are a few names that crop up in your mind. It can be safely said that you can take a full tour of what the centuries of swing music were like if you listen to these musicians in their element. The top seven musicians who can make you feel at home with swing jazz music are:

1. Coleman Hawkins: The fact that made Hawkins stand out from all the musicians of the time was his unique and raspy tone that combined beautifully with his improvisation techniques. As a preeminent saxophonist in the era, he could hold his own even by being a part of Fletcher Henderson’s big band. One of the top songs that people remember him by was the 1939 recording of “Body and Soul.”

2. Fletcher Henderson: Speaking of which, Henderson was one of the most multi-talented musicians of the time who opened up the various creative possibilities in jazz. He was best known as a pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer all rolled into one. Leading one of the topmost bands back in time, he also introduced Louis Armstrong in the world of swing. He was associated with Benny Goodman as well. 

3. Benny Goodman: With his humble roots of being a child of Jewish Immigrants, Goodman was an excellent clarinetist who started by leading a band for a weekly dance radio show. He is often credited to be the reason why black musicians such as Henderson became popular among white audiences. Goodman was also one of the reasons why swing music became famous over the years. 

4. Duke Ellington: Also known as one of the most influential musicians of all time, Ellington used to play weekly at New York’s Cotton Club. With this melodic arrangements and compositions, Ellington led his band throughout the years and made his mark in the minds and hearts of his loyal audience. His musical mind is studied to this day through his experimentations with harmonic and formal devices; commemorating many of his pieces as jazz standards. 

5. Count Basie: William Basie was a pianist who started playing with Bennie Moten’s band before forming his own which later became one of the biggest names of swing music. His precise compositions and piano playing capabilities reminded people of blues and yet had a touch of swing to them. Till date, people remember him to be the best accompaniment to singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennet, Joe Williams, and Frank Sinatra. 

6. Ben Webster: Known as a titan of the saxophone in the swing era, Webster was a blow of fresh wind from what the atmosphere then dictated. His up-tempo and sensitive ballads were a rave during that time where he spent a considerable time playing with Duke Ellington’s band. He was a leading tenor soloist for around eight years, and his recording of “Cotton Tail” is still known to be the best of the swing era.

7. Lester Young: Also a tenor saxophonist like Webster, Lester Young had spent most of his childhood with his family’s band. He went on to join the Big Band led by Count Basie, marking a firm foothold in the swing music era. He had a warm and relaxed tone which he approached with a specific melody that made hearts beat faster whenever he was on stage. He had an eccentric personal style as well, which showed very clearly as he played, through this choice of clothing, and way of speaking.

Conclusion: Swing music cannot be complete without mentioning all these names as they all played considerable time in taking the genre to the level it is in today. All you have to do today to listen to them and more is by tuning in to a jazz music radio station USA. With over 15000 recordings of evergreen and lesser-known artists, Swing Street Radio can be an excellent place for you to listen to each of them.

A Sad “AUF Wiedersehen” to Wwii Sweetheart Vera Lynn

She was perhaps the most recognizable female vocalist of the Second World War. Her million-selling record “We’ll Meet Again” became an anthem of hope for soldiers and civilians alike across both theaters of war. And her performances on radio gave reassurance to Londoners during the darkest days of the Blitz. Dame Vera Lynn has died at the age of 103.

Vera Lynn was born in London in 1917, the daughter of a plumber and dressmaker. She began performing before the public at the age of seven and took her grandmother’s maiden name as her stage name by eleven, when she made her first radio appearance on the BBC, performing with the famous Joe Loss Orchestra. By 1936 Lynn had secured a solo recording contract with Crown (later Decca) Records. In 1937, Lynn produced her first hit recording, “Red Sails in the Sunset”, and later joined the Bert Ambrose Orchestra as female vocalist. When not performing publically, she worked as the administrative assistant to the vice-president of a London-based shipping company.

While gaining some popularity during the mid to late 1930s, it wasn’t until the outbreak of World War Two that Lynn’s career really took off. Her wartime contribution included singing to people who were using London’s subways as air raid shelters, and she gave outdoor concerts for the troops in Egypt, India and Burma. She is best known for the popular song “We’ll Meet Again”, (recorded with Arthur Young on the Hammond Novachord) in 1939 at the outbreak of the war. Other hit recordings of Lynn’s from the period include “The White Cliffs of Dover”, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and “There’ll Always Be an England”. 

After the war, Vera’s popularity remained constant, and she continued to perform and record albums, devoting her spare time and energy to charity work connected with servicemen and disabled children. She was held in great esteem especially by World War II veterans, and in 2000 was named the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the “Greatest Generation”. In 1952, Lynn’s recording of “Auf Wiedersehen, Sweetheart” became the first record by a British performer to top the charts in the United States, paving the way for The Beatles who would follow her success over a decade later.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Lynn hosted her own variety series on BBC1, and in 1976 she hosted the BBC’s “A Jubilee of Music”, celebrating the pop music hits of the period from 1952 to 1976 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee year.

Vera Lynn sang at Buckingham Palace in a ceremony that marked the golden jubilee of VE Day (Victory in Europe) in 1995. A decade later, she made a surprise appearance at the VE Day ceremonies and gave a concert in Trafalgar Square, London. This would be Lynn’s final vocal performance at a VE Day anniversary event.

In 2009, at the age of 92, she became the oldest living artist to top the United Kingdom record charts with the compilation album “We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn”, outselling both the Arctic Monkeys and The Beatles. In 2017 she released “Vera Lynn: 100”, a compilation album of hits marking her 100th birthday. The album became an instant hit, making her the first centenarian performer in history to have a Top 10 album in the charts. Lynn is also notable for being the only artist to have a chart span on the British single and album charts reaching from the chart’s inception to the 21st century.

Vera Lynn received two nominations at the 2018 Classic Brit Awards for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year and was also the recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award. In early 2020, a portrait of Lynn was unveiled at the Royal Albert Hall in connection with the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Lynn performed at Royal Albert Hall 52 times from 1937 to 2006.

In 1992 Lynn was awarded the honorary degree of Master of Music by the University of London, and in 2000 she received a “Spirit of the 20th Century” Award.

Lynn died on 18 June 2020 at her home in East Sussex (South Eastern England) at the age of 103. She is survived by her only daughter, Virginia Penelope Lewis-Jones.

The music of Vern Lynn is regularly featured on Swing Street Radio.

Gene Krupa – The First Soloist Drummer of the Swing Era

Do you often identify the swing era with the saxophones and trumpets? After all, who can ever get over Louis Armstrong and his extraordinary trumpet playing skill? Further, Coleman Hawkins on saxophone could sweep people off their feet in no time. It goes without a saying that such exceptionally talented artists and instrumentalists immortalized swing and big band music in the USA. However, at a time when the whole world was swinging to the rhythm of wind instruments, it was Gene Krupa who brought drums to the forefront of the swing era.

Without this good-looking, charming, and talented young man, who could have considered drums to be an integral part of swing music? We may swoon over drummers today but they did not enjoy the same popularity back in those days. Krupa, with his fantastic stage presence, captivating personality, and amazing playing skills, soon became a heartthrob of millions of Americans. In this blog, let us discuss his life and journey to success.

Finding expression through drum playing

Krupa was born to religious parents who had wanted him to become a priest. However, he showed no such religious inclinations and became increasingly fascinated with music, especially playing the drums. While he was still in school, Krupa joined a few bands as drummers. His biggest success came in the year 1927 when Krupa became the first-ever musician to have played a drum set while recording with McKenzie-Condon Chicagoans. Soon after this feat, Krupa became a popular name in the Chicago jazz scene through the 1920s.

Collaboration with Benny Goodman 

After moving to New York, Gene Krupa collaborated with several commercial bands but his association with Benny Goodman would prove to be a turning point in his career. A sensational hit by the Benny Goodman Orchestra, ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ featured a lengthy drum section by Gene Krupa. Released in 1937, the song further popularized the idea of incorporating drums in the swing and big band music in the USA. However, the increasing popularity of Gene Krupa made Benny Goodman uncomfortable and was conceived as a challenge to the latter’s prominence in the band. In 1938, Krupa mesmerized the audience and stole the limelight at the Carnegie Hall Concert. This was the last straw that would substantiate the fallout between these two musical artists.

Forming his band 

After breaking up with Benny Goodman Orchestra, Gene Krupa formed his band quite quickly. His new band featured prominent players such as Milt Raskin, Sam Donahue, Vido Musso, Floyd O’Brien, and Irene Daye. In 1941, they created ‘Drum Boogie’, a score that is now part of an unforgettable collection of big band and swing music. But, the band shot to fame when Roy Eldridge and Anita O’Day joined and enriched the music group. From ‘Rockin Chair’ and ‘Let Me Off Uptown’ to ‘Thanks for the Boogie Ride’, the band gave back to back hits in 1941 and 1942. However, a drug charge on Krupa affected the band’s popularity, which eventually led to its disintegration.

The final phase in his career 

After working with Tommy Dorsey for a short time and having a reunion with Goodman in 1943, Gene Krupa once again tried establishing a band of his own. Unfortunately, it was short-lived and broke up quickly without garnering much popularity. Despite being a drummer of the swing era, Krupa welcomed and incorporated bebop elements into his musical arrangements. Through the 1950s, Krupa collaborated with trio and quartet bands thereby enriching their drum sections with his passionate and soul-stirring playing.

Conclusion – Initially, drums were considered to be one of the side instruments that caught little to no interest of major artists. However, with Gene Krupa’s arrival, drums no longer remained a rarity in the swing era. With his amazing drum playing skills, Krupa could own the stage and captivate the audience. Further, he set an example before the aspiring artists and showed them how drums could be used as an outlet of expressions. Want to enjoy swing tracks by Krupa and other eminent artists? Then tune into Swing Street Radio today. With an expansive collection of big band and swing music, the radio can take you on a journey. 

Duke Ellington – The Man Who Influenced Jazz Like No Other

Edward Kenndy Ellington, better known as Duke Ellington was called as a musical titan for no reason. Noted for his impeccable style of piano playing, Ellington was an exceptional leader to have led one of the most successful, creative, experimental big bands in the history of swing and jazz music. With his terrific jazz arrangements, he could take his audience on a journey. His compositions that ran into thousands are vividly cherished and continue to entertain and inspire all listeners and aspirants to this day. Regarded as a true swing artist, Ellington’s compositions encompassed several other genres like blues, gospel, blues, and so on. Given his awe-inspiring stature, only a few of his contemporaries could equal him. From Grammy to Pulitzer Prize, the legend won prodigious accolades for his contribution towards transforming the big band music in the US. Here are some of his notable accomplishments in the fifty years of career span.

Becoming a household name with the Cotton Club performances –

Back in those times, the Cotton Club was an outlet for social gathering especially for African-Americans and even served as the place from where aspirant musicians could launch their career. It was around the mid-1920s that Duke Ellington and his band got their first break for performing in the Cotton Club. With his unique compositions, Ellington soon joined the league of famous Cotton Club musicians. Having gained acceptance from his patron, Ellington was also confident of experimenting with a range of music styles. The nationwide broadcast of Cotton Club programmes made Duke Ellington a household name in quite a short time.

Garnering international attention – 

Ellington dominated the Cotton Club performances from 1927 to 1930s. Now, driven by the ambition of reaching out to an international audience, Duke Ellington travelled to Britain and gave a series of live performances. Convinced about his talent and musical artistry, the international audience crowned him to be the king of jazz. This was also the time wherein Ellington produced back to back chart-topping records like “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, “Stormy Weather”, “Sophisticated Lady”, and so on. Are you oblivious to these historic creations? Send in a request for these songs on one and only big band swing music radio today!

Composing the historic jazz anthem - 

“Take the A Train”, one of the brilliant compositions by the Duke Ellington Orchestra swept the audience off their feet in 1943. Penned by Billy Strayhorn and enlivened by majestic music arrangements, the score went on to become a jazz anthem for the contemporary American generation. However, Ellington’s ambitious work of “Black, Brown and Beige” took the band to the zenith of fame and popularity. Its grand premiere at the Carnegie Hall was a memorable feat in the history of music history. The song garnered maximum attention because of the fact that it underlined the day-to-day struggle faced by African-Americans in the then USA society.

Top awards added a feather to his glorious cap – 

With a career spanning for more than six decades, Duke Ellington won three GRAMMY Awards for the second year of GRAMMY Awards. That is not the end for he also received Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and Trustees Award. “Mood Indigo”, one of the famous compositions and first recording of Duke Ellington was listed in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in the year 1975. Although Ellington’s nomination was cancelled for Pulitzer Prize during his lifetime, he was awarded the same posthumously after almost 25 years after of his death.

Conclusion – With a vibrant musical career, Duke Ellington continues to inspire people even to this day. Given his talent to improvise swing style, Ellington revolutionised the big band music in the USA. Want to listen to some of his greatest hits? Tune into Swing Street Radio and listen to his best tracks. With a huge collection of recordings, the big band radio can take you back to the heydays of swing and jazz.

What Were the Socio-cultural Effects of Big Band and Swing Music?

Are you a great admirer of jazz and swing music? Is your playlist filled with jazz hits? Is listening to swing songs your favorite pastime? Although jazz continued to evolve with time, its essence continues to enrich the American cultural fabric to this day. Originating in New Orleans, jazz was recognized as an African-American music form. However, with the advent of the 1930s, jazz transformed and resurfaced as swing. During this time, big bands stole the limelight with several members, extravagant musical instruments, and grand performances. Bandleaders like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and many more improvised and popularized the big band music in the USA and all across the world. Not only did this music style entertained the Americans, but it helped them stick together in the time of crisis. From boosting the morale of soldiers to blurring racial lines, swing and big band music must be given due credit for cementing socio-cultural ties. 

Americanization of swing and jazz

Originating in New Orleans, jazz soon transcended boundaries to reach cities such as New York and Kansas where it was improvised to create region-specific music style. All this while, jazz was considered to be an African-American product that remained restricted to the downtrodden states of Southern America. However, with radio inundating the market, the American popular culture received a boost like never before. It was now easy to organize radio shows and connect with audiences, all thanks to this new medium of entertainment. Steadily shedding its regional orientation, swing came to be known as American music to the worldwide audiences thereby completing the process of Americanization of this music genre. 

Successful artists irrespective of races 

During the early 1920s and 1930s, jazz was largely identified with African-American musicians and singers like King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, so on. But it was during the mid-1930s and 1940s that white musicians, inspired by preceding legends, formed bands to play swing music. This new generation witnessed the rise of formidable bandleaders like Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey among others. This change shows that swing and jazz were no more race-specific. Bands could feature musicians of both races. White people would attend concerts to watch a performance by the African-American musicians. Even music clubs would allow audiences of both races to enjoy music and dance shows. Needless to say, racial harmony revolutionized the big band music in the USA! 

New opportunities for women

Before the arrival of swing, the zone of music was largely dominated by male vocalists, arrangers, and composers. However, with the onset of the swing era, women carved out a distinct place for themselves in the industry. Do you know Ella Fitzgerald was the first-ever African-American artist to have received a Grammy? Billie Holiday, Helen Forrest, Martha Tilton, Sarah Vaughan are the most prominent female vocalists of all time! That is not the end, for full-fledged female bands surfaced during this time to steal the spotlight. Be it The Boswell Sisters, or The Andrews Sisters, they gave back to back hits and found the same footing as their male counterparts. 

Conclusion – The American entertainment industry has watched a phenomenal evolution of several types of music genres. From rock n roll and pop music to R&B and alternative rock, you must have enjoyed tracks of several genres and by various artists. However, swing and jazz had made a far-reaching socio-cultural impact on Americans. It is always going to be known as America’s original music that not only entertained people and also promoted harmony among them. Let us all tune into the big band music station in the USA and enjoy classic scores. This is going to be our way of paying tribute to swing artists who fought against odds and upheld social congeniality. 

Listen to Andrew Sisters at The Big Band Music Station USA

The fans of swing music love the way vocalists used to put emphasis on the weaker pulse in the music strain to create the ‘swing feel’. Several soloists of well-known bands gained reputation by improvising on the melody and not depending on the arrangement alone. The golden era of swing music in USA (the 1930s and 1940s) saw the rise of many artists. However, if we talk about the female swing music artists, then none can match the meteoric rise and commercial success of the Andrew sisters. The three Andrew sisters were born in Mound, MN, USA. Their father was a Greek immigrant and their mother was a Norwegian immigrant who owned a restaurant in Minneapolis.

The three sisters; LaVerne Andrews (born on 6 July 1911), Maxene Andrews (3 January 1916) and Patty Andrews (16 February 1918) perfectly complemented each other’s singing style. Laverne Andrews, who was the eldest sister with a great sense of humor used the latter to some great effect in her songs. The middle sister Maxene Andrews had a strong voice and the youngest Patty was loud and energetic. These three diverse combinations of voice and their attractive personalities propelled them to stardom. 

The love for music started quite early for the Andrew sisters. At home, they used to mimic the famous singers of that time and slowly developed their own style, which helped them later to get huge acclaim. They started their professional career when they joined the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis in 1932. In 1933, the three sisters joined a Vaudeville troupe and traveled in the Midwest giving live performances. As they received greater commercial success, they toured the country with bands from 1934-1937. In 1937, they made their first professional appearance at the New York music circuit, when they made their first recording with the famous Leon Belasco band. Later they signed with Dacca and got their first massive hit, ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen.’ This song gave the Andrew sisters commercial fame, which helped them to get scores of radio and personal appearance work. Their next hit ‘Hold Tight, Hold Tight,’ proved that their earlier hit was not a flash in the pan and established their reputation. In the 1940s, their popularity chart grew exponentially and their group was the most profitable stage performers in the USA. Apart from their stage career, the sister became very popular radio artists. They hosted many popular swing music radio shows. Furthermore, the Andrew sisters also appeared in 17 Hollywood movies. They released 8 singles, of which six received great commercial success. Some of their greatest hits include songs like ‘I’ll be with you in Apple Blossom Time,’ ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,’ and ‘Rum and Coca Cola’.

The Andrew sisters also used their huge popularity to boost the wartime effort of the USA in World War 2. They volunteered to entertain the enlisted and the wounded men by singing and dancing for them to raise their morale. On one such occasion, the three sisters went on an eight week USO tour, wherein they entertained thousands of servicemen. The Andrew sisters continued their winning streak and released the critically acclaimed ballad. ‘I can dream, can’t I?’. This song received unprecedented commercial success, wherein it remained in the top 10 for 20 consecutive weeks. 

At the start of the 1950s, the group started facing trouble. The first problem arose when Vic Schoen, their brand leader who was a part of more than 90 percent of their recording, left the group due to creative differences. In 1954, the youngest sister, Patty Andrew left the group to start her solo career. The sisters tried to rekindle their magic when they came together in 1956 and experimented with light rock and roll music. However, they faced a tough challenge from the new rising stars of this music genre, namely, Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. 

The Andrew sister’s music group received a body blow when the eldest sister, LaVerne was diagnosed with cancer in 1967. She died a year later when she was just 55 years old. The two remaining sisters dissolved their musical group after the death of their eldest sister and focused on their solo careers. The two sisters again came together for a musical called the ‘over here.’ This program was about WW2 Homefront and had 341 successful performances. The sister continued with their solo career until their demise. Maxene died in 1995 and Patty Andrew died in 2013. The Andrew sisters sang more than 700 songs and earned nine gold records and they sold a total of 90 million records. Considering their commercial success and popularity, the Andrew sisters are considered as one of the greatest groups of all time. 

Conclusion: If you are a huge fan of the Andrew Sisters’ songs and want to listen to them, then connect with the big band music station in USA. We have a huge collection of songs of these singing legends. If you want to listen to any hit music of the Andrew sisters, then you should call us at (650) 479-4641 or mail your request to requests@swingstreetradio.org.

The Lesser Known Story of The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra

Do you reminisce about your old days while listening to the classic swing music? Or are you a millennial currently interested in exploring big band music? Swing music from the big band era redefined the cultural contours of America in the 1930s and 1940s. Given your interest in jazz and swing, you sure have come across the recordings of the various top bands. Back in the day, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and many others led successful big bands that created phenomenal big band music in the USA. But have you listened to the creations by the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra? The band gave stiff competition to the swing giants and stood out for well-designed ensemble music. Notwithstanding the common swing essence, the orchestra was different from contemporary bands in several ways. Essentially, Jimmie Lunceford imbibed quirky novelties in his band that were quite new and not touched upon by many during the big band era. Read along to learn more about the Orchestra.

Band formation and series of achievements

In 1927, Jimmie Lunceford joined Manassas High School, Memphis, as a music teacher. During his tenure there, Lunceford tried organizing a jazz band, named Chickasaw Syncopators that consisted of his students. Their combined endeavor led the band to bag a recording agreement with RCA in the year 1930. Although they were regular performers in Buffalo and Cleveland, Lunceford and his team gained prominence after playing at the famous Cotton Club in New York. This break was no less than hitting the jackpot for them. After the successful performance, the band recorded plenty of music scores with Decca company. From “Four or Five Times”, “My Blue Heaven”, “Rhythm Is Our Business” to “For Dancers Only” and “Swanee River”, the band gave incessant hits that are still popular on the big band music station in the USA. What made the orchestra stand out was its fearless experimentation with the style and presentation of the music. Lunceford was an impressive band leader because he would create unique sounds thereby setting himself as an example before his band members.

New and interesting elements in the band

At a time, when bands were incorporating the four-beat rhythm in their music, Jimmie’s embracing of a two-beat rhythm, was a gamechanger in the big band music in theUSA. For this, the credit goes to Sy Oliver on the trumpet. Moreover, the absence of any noted soloist did not stop the band from achieving what it deserved. Instead, the members focussed on improving the ensemble work. With Lunceford on the alto saxophone, the band also comprised Jimmy Crawford on drums, Moses Allen on the bass, and Eddie Wilcox, the pianist. Further, the band was one of its kind for featuring high-note trumpeters, an unprecedented feat in the history of big band music till then. Observers believe that watching the band perform was an extraordinary experience. Flashy performance, showmanship, and unusual choreography using the musical instruments as props were the hallmarks of The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra.

The last phase and the sudden collapse of Lunceford

As Sy Oliver teamed up with Tommy Dorsey, the orchestra lost a jewel. Although several other trumpeters joined the band, they lacked the spark of Oliver. On the other hand, internal problems like non-payment of salaries and Lunceford’s lavish lifestyle began crippling the band. However, in 1947, with Lunceford’s sudden demise, the orchestra broke up and never got back again.

Conclusion – Given their atypical musical sense, The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra competed with its contemporary bands to create its own identity. The band would put up extraordinary stage performances that had earned it an indisputable prestige in the entertainment circuit of America. For interesting sounds and rhythm, their songs are still cherished and played at the ballroom music radio station in the USA. Despite its steady declination, the orchestra, led by Jimmie Lunceford, inspired the next generations of musicians.

Big Band Music in USA | Musical Stalwarts of all Time

Back in the 1920s and 1930s, the swing and big bands were all rages. People from various walks of life visited dance halls and tapped their feet to the tunes of swing music. This draws our attention to the fact that big bands played a significant role in bolstering the popularity of swing. Featuring instruments like trumpets, saxophones, and trombones, big band music in the USA was all about rhythmic tracks driving the spirits of the audience. Owing to the talents of dedicated band leaders, these large orchestras reached the peak of success and popularity. From strategizing  arrangements to hiring proficient instrumentalists, big band leaders were the musical architects in the truest sense. Would you like to reminisce about the good old days of swing and the big band? Let us discuss some of the greatest band personalities in this article.

1. Duke Ellington - Spanning over 50 years, Ellington’s career is filled with milestones and achievements. Not only did the legend compose and arrange scores of music, but his African-American identity also marked the beginning of racial congeniality in the realm of jazz music. In the 1920s, Ellington formed a band with Rex Stewart, the cornetist, Johnny Hodges, the saxophonist, and Cootie Williams on the trumpets. The sextet recorded unforgettable songs and performed worldwide in the 1930s. Tune into Swing Street Radio, one of the leading big band radio stations, to enjoy hits like "Cotton Tail", "Concerto for Cootie", and "Ko-Ko".

2.Tommy Dorsey - It was Tommy Dorsey who ruled the swing era between 1935 and 1945. Apart from being a noted trombonist, Dorsey improvised the swing style by incorporating novelty and ballads. Although Tommy started his musical journey by forming a band with his brother, the two soon parted ways. To create an identity of his own, Tommy Dorsey organized a separate orchestra under the Decca Records. Singers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby featured on the vocals for this orchestra. His ability to constantly improvise made Tommy Dorsey’s orchestra one of the treasured big bands of all time.

3. Count Basie - The first African-American musical personality who bagged the Grammy Award. Born as William James Basie, the legend got his nickname “Count” on a radio show. Although he played in the vaudevillian circuit initially, Basie reached the helm of popularity when he formed his band in the mid-1930s. Noted for its swing style, rhythmic section, and savy solos, the orchestra revolutionized the landscape of big band music in the USA. Along with leading one of the most popular music bands of those times, Basie himself was an outstanding pianist.

4. Benny Goodman - It is not without a reason that Goodman was hailed to be the “King of Swing”. Being a commendable clarinetist, the legend contributed heavily to altering the scope of swing and big band music. It was only at the age of twelve, Goodman made his professional debut. He became a part of the Ben Pollack band and recorded several scores with them. The inception of Benny Goodman and his Orchestra coincided with the heydays of swing jazz. The artist took this musical shift in his stride and gave back to back hits like "It's Been So Long," "Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)," and "The Glory of Love”. These scores feature on  big band radio stations even to this day. 

Conclusion - The emergence of different kinds of music styles has overshadowed the charm of classic swing and jazz today. With the millennial taking interest in other genres, swing and big band music are now limited to the older generation. In this connection, this write-up has tried to revive the memories of formidable swing personalities thereby enlightening the younger people on the essence of this musical style.