During the 1920s, the powerful rhythms of swing music developed into the swing jazz that involved the sounds of the double bass and drums. This form of jazz music would gain recognition as a unique style in the United States by 1935. When compared to the many other variations in jazz, the medium to fast tempo of the music illustrated the swing time rhythm that became so very common. Over the years, swing music and the allure of big bands would capture the hearts of many different cultures and musicians.

The History of Swing Music

The 20th century brought a collection of popular musical styles and swing became one of the most recognized and well known of the time period. Like a handful of styles during this time, origins of the music expanded upon African rhythms (particularly West African music). The style of swing was energetic and emits a unique sound. The years to follow would see variations of swing emerge in cities like New Orleans, New York City, and Kansas City.

Usually, small groups performed swing, but larger swing bands would develop - showcasing varying levels of detail and arrangements. In most cases, an important element of swing music was the bandleader, who wore many different hats, including performer, promoter, and musical director. It was the responsibility of a bandleader to make sure that larger numbers of musicians showed organization and did not give into random improvising. Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, the Dorsey Brothers, and Benny Goodman were looked upon as some of the best in the business.

The typical song illustrating the swing style offers a strong rhythm section that relied on the loose flow of brass and wind instruments. During the 1940s, string instruments and vocal sections were included. The path that swing music would take depended on how the musicians were arranged, band members, various songs, and the direction of the bandleader. It was quite common to see a soloist perform at center stage, improvise a solo that members of the band would support. The longer the song developed, the higher the chances became that more than one soloist would take the reigns and improvise on their own.

The music first gained support within the African American community and then caught the attention of various audiences throughout the United States. Swing jazz became the rage around 1935, while previous years illustrated a slow acceptance. For some, the improvisation, speedy unbalanced tempos, absence of string instruments, and the occasional use of explicit lyrics were hard to accept. Swing music was constantly being compared to what others viewed as more classier and refined romantic styles.

However, the late 1930s and early 1940s would see swing as the most popular musical style in the United States. By the late 1940s, the crooner was born and the Big Band tradition was slowly replaced by solo artists, such as Frank Sinatra. World War II would also contribute to the decline in popularity of swing music, as many Big Band musicians left to fight in the war overseas. Additionally, the cost associated with touring bands was also hindered by economic hardships caused by the war. It soon became more acceptable to form groups that consisted of four to five band members. By the time 1950 rolled around, jump blues and bebop replaced swing music.

Popular Swing Musicians and Songs

As swing music grew in popularity, a host of musical greats would make their mark in the industry. Artie Shaw joined the ranks of great swing musicians when his "Begin the Beguine" gathered an unsuspecting following. Benny Goodman also became a master of the clarinet. The likes of Lester Young, Ben Webster, and Coleman Hawkins played the saxophone. Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge showcased their talents with the trumpet, while Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, and Jelly Roll Morton tickled the ivories.

In the world of swing music, Duke Ellington played a significant role, as he composed the song, " It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing," which noted the importance of the swing era. He would later go on to become responsible for great musical numbers, such as "Bug in a Rug," and "Take the A Train."

Popular swing songs during the 1930s and 1940s included "Straighten Up and Fly Right" (Nat King Cole); " Jumpin' at the Woodside" (Count Basie); "Easy Does It" (Oscar Peterson); "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (Andrew Sisters); "And the Angels Sing" by Martha Tilton and Benny Goodman; "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" (Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald); and "Mack the Knife" (Ella Fitzgerald).