A Birth of Jazz 2
A You Tube History of Music
Swing Era 1
Big Bands
Featured on this page loosely in order of first recording or record release (as possible):
Earl Hines Blanche Calloway Jimmy Dorsey Tommy Dorsey Duke Ellington
Gene Krupa Chick Webb Benny Goodman Glen Gray Casa Loma Orchestra
Lionel Hampton Hot Lips Page Cozy Cole Jimmie Lunceford Freddy Martin
Stuff Smith Cab Calloway Bob Crosby Phil Harris Charlie Barnet
Chu Berry Red Norvo Art Tatum Ray McKinley Glenn Miller
Teddy Wilson Putney Dandridge Roy Eldridge Allan Reuss Claude Thornhill
Count Basie Clyde Hart Woody Herman Joe Marsala Lester Young
Buck Clayton Artie Shaw Les Brown Johnny Hodges Louis Jordan
Buddy Rich Sammy Kaye Will Bradley Charlie Christian Harry James
Jimmy Blanton Jay McShann Edmond Hall Lucky Millinder Remo Palmieri
Not on this page? See history tree below.
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If what you're seeking isn't on this page it might be found on any of the
other jazz pages. Early swing musicians such as Andy Kirk, Ben Moten, Fletcher
Henderson, Louis Armstrong, etc., are listed in
Jazz 1. Other swing musicians such as Big
Sid Catlett, Coleman Hawkins, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli, etc., will be found on other jazz pages.
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Many a modern or progressive jazz musicians played in swing orchestras as well. An early example of this is extraordinary pianist Earl Hines, who first recorded with 'Congaine' in 1923 with Lois Deppe. Earl Hines 1923 With Lois Deppe Earl Hines 1929 Earl Hines 1938 Vocals: Ida James Earl Hines 1939 Earl Hines 1964 Earl Hines 1965 Duet with Teddy Wilson
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Earl Hines |
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Blanche Calloway |
Blanche Calloway, sister of Cab Calloway, below, made her professional debut in Baltimore in 1921 with Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle's musical 'Shuffle Along'. After touring for a few years she made her first recording in 1925, below, with Louis Armstrong. This was about the time she put together her orchestra, the Joy Boys, as well. Calloway could well be placed in Swing Jazz Song (as well as her brother, Cab, five years younger than she) but that she belongs on this page as a bandleader. Blanche Calloway 1925 Trumpet: Louis Armstrong Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 I'm Gettin' Myself Ready For You Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964 Blanche Calloway 1964
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Jimmy Dorsey |
Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey were brothers who didn't always get along, but played together off and on over the years. Jimmy (largely a clarinetist) and Tommy (mostly trombone) began their careers playing in the same band, recording 'Coquette' in 1927 (unfound). They later split apart and developed each their own orchestras. Jimmy made his first recording without Tommy, 'You Let Me Down', in 1935. Tommy likewise began recording apart from Jimmy in 1935. None of the Dorseys' first releases are available below, but recordings soon after are provided (vocalists unnoted), as well as a much later recording of Jimmy and Tommy playing together again. Jimmy Dorsey 1938 Jimmy Dorsey 1939 Jimmy Dorsey 1957 Tommy Dorsey 1938 Tommy Dorsey 1938 Tommy Dorsey 1938 You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby Tommy Dorsey 1939 On the Sunny Side of the Street Tommy Dorsey 1939 Tommy Dorsey 1944 On The Sunny Side Of The Street Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey 1954
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Tommy Dorsey |
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Duke Ellington |
Pianist and big band leader Duke Ellington is another early example of a major swing musician who brought a powerful personal style to jazz orchestra. The Duke began his recording career as a band leader in 1927. Among his major credits is hiring pianist Billy Strayhorn in 1939 (whom he had met the year before) to arrange, compose and otherwise collaborate until Strayhorn's death of cancer in 1967. Strayhorn's first composition for Ellington was 'Something to Live For' in 1939 (unfound). A few of the tracks below were composed by Strayhorn, including 'Take the 'A' Train' (first recorded in 1939), or in collaboration with Ellington. Ellington can also be found under Jimmy Blanton below. Duke Ellington 1927 Duke Ellington 1927 Duke Ellington 1928 Duke Ellington 1928 Duke Ellington 1928 Duke Ellington 1928 Duke Ellington 1928 Duke Ellington 1929 Duke Ellington 1930 Duke Ellington 1930 Duke Ellington 1930 Duke Ellington 1930 Duke Ellington 1931 Duke Ellington 1932 Composed 1931 It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Duke Ellington 1940 Duke Ellington 1941 Composition: Billy Strayhorn Duke Ellington 1943 Duke Ellington 1953 Duke Ellington 1957 Live at Ravinia Festival Duke Ellington 1958 Duke Ellington 1965 Duke Ellington 1970 Bass: Joe Benjamin
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It is well to introduce a drummer who played with Benny Goodman: Gene Krupa, recording as early as 1927 with Eddie Condon and Red McKenzie. Krupa expanded the drums ensemble beyond the usual bass, cymbals and snare. Playing with a number of swing orchestras for several years, he then formed his own band in 1939, also debuting that year in Hollywood in the film 'Some Like It Hot'. Krupa was such a skilled drummer that the drum solo was introduced to jazz. His performance of 'Sing, Sing, Sing', below is cut from the film 'Hollywood Hotel'. (Krupa is also the drummer in the examples of Eddie Condon's music in Jazz 1). Gene Krupa 1930 Gene Krupa 1935 With the Chicagoans Gene Krupa 1935 With the Chicagoans Gene Krupa 1935 With the Chicagoans Gene Krupa 1935 With the Chicagoans Gene Krupa 1937 With Benny Goodman Gene Krupa 1941 Film: 'Ball of Fire' Actress: Barbara Stanwyck Voice dubb: Martha Tilton
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Gene Krupa |
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Leaving Maryland for New York City in 1922 (age 17), drummer Chick Webb formed his own band, the Harlem Stompers, in 1926. Webb's first recording in 1927 (no title on record) wasn't issued (though a film short, recorded in 1929, was found for this history). Getting his major professional break by securing a gig at the Savoy Ballroom in 1931, Webb first officially recorded that same year. Only a few years later he would discover Ella Fitzgerald, for which he is largely credited and known. Unfortunately Webb's great talent was cut short at the young age of 34 when spinal tuberculosis claimed his life. (More Chick Webb, as well as Ella Fitzgerald, can be found at A Birth of Swing Jazz - Song.) Chick Webb 1929 Chick Webb 1931 Chick Webb 1934 Vocals: Charles Litton Chick Webb 1936 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1936 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1936 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1937 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1937 Chick Webb 1937 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1938 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald Chick Webb 1939 Vocals: Ella Fitzgerald
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Chick Webb |
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Benny Goodman |
A good example of swing in full bloom is bandleader and clarinetist Benny Goodman. Generally known as the King of Swing (though some say that title belongs to Artie Shaw or Tommy Dorsey), Goodman's first recordings, 'Clarinetitis' and 'That's a Plenty', were in 1928. Among Goodman's major credits are the hiring of pianist Ted Wilson and vibraphonist Lionel Hampton early in their careers, especially during that psychotic period (as have been all the eras of humankind, including this one) when it was not yet proper for black and white musicians to play in the same band. Goodman's is also the orchestra with which Charlie Christian plays in the majority of examples of Christian's guitar below. (More Benny Goodman under Peggy Lee in Swing Jazz 2.) Benny Goodman 1928 Benny Goodman 1928 Benny Goodman 1935 With Billie Holiday Benny Goodman 1935 With Billie Holiday Benny Goodman 1935 Benny Goodman 1936 Benny Goodman 1936 With Helen Ward Benny Goodman 1936 With Billie Holiday Benny Goodman 1936 Benny Goodman 1937 Vocals: Helen Ward Benny Goodman 1941 Vocals: Peggy LeeOn The Sunny Side Of The Street Benny Goodman 1941 Vocals: Helen Forrest Benny Goodman 1941 Vocals: Tommy Taylor Benny Goodman 1943 Benny Goodman 1943 Benny Goodman 1945 Benny Goodman 1948 Tenor Sax: Wardell Gray Trumpet: Fats Navarro
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Jean Goldkette's Orange Blossoms were formed in 1927. But Goldkette had trouble getting his musicians paid. So in 1929 the Blossoms became the Casa Loma Orchestra with sax player Glen Gray as leader, 'Love Is a Dreamer' among their first recordings that year. Glen Gray means Casa Loma Orchestra in all the samples below. Glen Gray 1929 Glen Gray 1932 Glen Gray 1933 Glen Gray 1933 Glen Gray 1933 With Kenny Sargent Glen Gray 1942
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Glen Gray |
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Lionel Hampton |
Lionel Hampton was a no-joke drummer but he more distinguished himself with the vibraphone. He first recorded with Paul Howard and the Quality Serenaders in 1929, later played with Benny Goodman, and worked several years with various orchestras before forming his own band in 1940. Lionel Hampton 1929 With the Serenaders Lionel Hampton 1937 On The Sunny Side Of The Street Lionel Hampton 1939 Lionel Hampton 1939 With Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman Lionel Hampton 1939 Lionel Hampton 1939 Lionel Hampton 1939 Lionel Hampton 1940 Guitar: Irving Ashby Lionel Hampton 1940 Guitar: Irving Ashby Lionel Hampton 1945 Lionel Hampton 1951 Lionel Hampton 1978
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Born in 1908, trumpeter and vocalist Hot Lips Page (Oran Thaddeus Page), began his musical career as a teenager performing at circuses and minstrel shows. Not long before he would be backing blues singers such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Ida Cox (each in Blues 2). He likely first recorded in that capacity, but such recordings remain uncertain or unfound. Nor are recordings found upon his joining Walter Page's Blue Devils (Jazz 1) in 1926. Page did, however, record with Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra in 1929. Those earlier recordings with sax player Bennie Moten will be found in Early Jazz 1. Hot Lips Page 1938 Hot Lips Page 1940 Hot Lips Page 1941 Hot Lips Page 1944 Hot Lips Page 1944 Hot Lips Page 1944 Hot Lips Page 1949 Hot Lips Page 1952
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Hot Lips Page |
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Drummer Cozy Cole began his professional career in 1928 by joining the
Wilbur Sweatman band. In 1930 he joined Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers,
with whom he recorded for the first time that same year. Cole's first
experiences as a band leader arrived in 1944. Cozy Cole 1930 With Jelly Roll Morton Cozy Cole 1936 With Billie Holiday Cozy Cole 1936 With Stuff Smith Here Comes The Man With The Jive Cozy Cole 1939 With Cab Calloway Cozy Cole 1940 With Cab Calloway Cozy Cole 1944 Cozy Cole 1944 Cozy Cole 1944 Cozy Cole 1945 Cozy Cole 1957 Live With Gene Krupa Cozy Cole 1958 Live Saxophone: Coleman Hawkins Trumpet: Roy Eldridge Cozy Cole 1958 Cozy Cole 1974
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Cozy Cole |
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Jimmie Lunceford |
Bandleader Jimmie Lunceford, alto sax, was an athletic instructor at
Manassas High School in Memphis, Tennessee, when he put together an orchestra
first called the Chickasaw Syncopators in 1927. His first recordings in 1930
were with that same basic orchestra. Jimmie Lunceford 1930 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1934 Jimmie Lunceford 1936 Jimmie Lunceford 1937 Jimmie Lunceford 1937 Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Baby Won't You Please Come Home Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Jimmie Lunceford 1939 Jimmie Lunceford 1940 With the Dandridge Sisters I Ain't Gonna Study War No More Jimmie Lunceford 1941 Jimmie Lunceford 1941 Jimmie Lunceford 1946 Jimmie Lunceford 1946
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Bandleader and tenor saxophonist Freddy Martin led his first band in high
school. He first recorded in 1930 with Jack Albin's Hotel Pennsylvania
Music. (There are a few tracks of Hotel Pennsylvania Music offered at You
Tube. But it isn't certain that Martin played on those so they aren't
included below.) Martin next recorded in 1932 for Columbia with his own
band, among his earliest releases found below. Freddy Martin 1933 Freddy Martin 1934 Freddy Martin 1934 Freddy Martin 1935 Freddy Martin 1935 Freddy Martin 1940 Freddy Martin 1941 Freddy Martin 1942 Freddy Martin 1945 Freddy Martin 1946 Freddy Martin 1946 Freddy Martin 1948 Freddy Martin 1949 With Merv Griffin I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts Freddy Martin 1951 With Merv Griffin The Freddy Martin Show I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts/Deep In the Heart of Texas
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Freddy Martin |
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Stuff Smith |
It is thought that violinist Stuff Smith first recorded in 1930. But nothing earlier than 1936 could be found for this history, the year he made a big hit with 'I'se A Muggin''. Stuff Smith 1936 Here Come the Man With the Jive Stuff Smith 1936 Stuff Smith 1936 Stuff Smith 1944 Stuff Smith 1944 Stuff Smith 1944 Stuff Smith 1944 Stuff Smith 1965 Stuff Smith 1965 Stuff Smith 1965
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Extraordinary performer Cab Calloway was one of a few orchestra leaders who was also a vocalist. (So was his sister, Blanche Calloway, above.) Early associated with the Savoy and the Cotton Club, Calloway made his first recording in 1931 with 'Minnie the Moocher', after which he and his orchestra would delight the public in the thirties and forties via Hollywood and lively entertainment as the indisputable Master of hi-de-ho and jive. Cab Calloway 1931 Cab Calloway 1931 Cab Calloway 1931 Cab Calloway 1932 I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues Cab Calloway 1932 Cab Calloway 1932 Cab Calloway 1933 Cab Calloway 1939 Cab Calloway 1939 Cab Calloway 1941 Cab Calloway 1943 Film: 'Stormy Weather' Cab Calloway 1943 Film: 'Stormy Weather'
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Cab Calloway |
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Bandleader and vocalist Bob Crosby, younger brother of Bing Crosby, began
his singing career as one of the Delta Rhythm Boys in 1931. He also began
working with the Anson Weeks Orchestra in 1931. Crosby's first recordings
were likely in 1931 but are unfound. In 1935 he put together his own band,
the Bobcats, with previous members of the Ben Pollack Orchestra. Bob Crosby 1933 With the Anson Weeks Orchetra Bob Crosby 1934 Bob Crosby 1936 With Connee Boswell Bob Crosby 1937 Bob Crosby 1938 Bob Crosby 1939 Bob Crosby 1942
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Bob Crosby |
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Bandleader, vocalist and actor Phil Harris began his career as a drummer in a
circus band, his parents both circus performers. In the latter twenties he
and Carol Lofner formed an orchestra in San Francisco in which he performed
as both a drummer and singer. First recording with Lofner in 1931, upon the dissolution of
their partnership in 1932 Harris put together his own orchestra with which
he released his first records as a bandleader in 1933. In 1941 Harris
married actress and singer Alice Faye, having previously been married to
Marcia Ralstone. Phil Harris 1931 Carol Lofner Orchestra Phil Harris 1931 Carol Lofner Orchestra Phil Harris 1933 Phil Harris 1933 Vocal: Leah Ray Phil Harris 1935 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Phil Harris 1935 Phil Harris 1947 Phil Harris 1947 Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) Phil Harris 1947 That's What I Like About The South Phil Harris 1948 Phil Harris 1950 Phil Harris 1950
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Phil Harris |
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Charlie Barnet
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Bandleader and saxophonist Charlie Barnet began his recording career in 1933 with Melotone Records, the year he shaped his own orchestra. The earliest recording found is from 1934. Charlie Barnet 1934 Vocal: Helen Heath Charlie Barnet 1936 Charlie Barnet 1939 Charlie Barnet 1940 Charlie Barnet 1947 Charlie Barnet 1947 Charlie Barnet 1947 Charlie Barnet 1947 Charlie Barnet 1947 Charlie Barnet 1948 With Doc Severinsen Vocal: Bunny Briggs Charlie Barnet 1962
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Chu Berry |
Tenor saxophonist Chu Berry got his first break from Sammy Stewart in 1929. He first recorded with sax player Benny Carter and pianist Teddy Wilson in 1933 (below). Berry would later play with big names from Lionel Hampton to Teddy Hill to Cab Calloway. Chu Berry 1933 With Benny Carter and Teddy Wilson Chu Berry 1933 With Benny Carter and Teddy Wilson Chu Berry 1933 With Benny Carter and Teddy Wilson Chu Berry 1939 With Lionel Hampton
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Vibraphonist Red Norvo's first recordings under his own name in 1933 are unfound ('Knockin' on Wood' and 'Hole In the Wall'). He can also be found under Mildred Bailey in Jazz 3, with whom he enjoyed a close professional relationship for some years. Red Norvo 1935 Red Norvo 1937 Red Norvo 1939 With Mildred Bailey Red Norvo 1945 With Mildred Bailey Red Norvo 1957
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Red Norvo
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Art Tatum |
Pianist Art Tatum, nigh completely blind, made his first recording in 1933 with 'Tea For Two'. He played a lot of classical music as well and was highly regarded by Rachmaninoff. Due much to virtuosos like Fats Waller, Earl Hines and Art Tatum the piano bar (lounge music) became a favorite American late-night haunt. Art Tatum 1933 Art Tatum 1933 Vocal: Adelaide Hall Art Tatum 1933 Art Tatum 1933 Art Tatum 1943 With the Leonard Feather All Stars Art Tatum 1943 With the Leonard Feather All Stars Art Tatum 1943 Bass: Slam Stewart Guitar: Tiny Grimes Art Tatum 1944 Bass: Slam Stewart Guitar: Tiny Grimes Art Tatum 1944 Bass: Slam Stewart Guitar: Tiny Grimes Art Tatum 1944 With the Leonard Feather All Stars Art Tatum 1947 With the Dorseys Art Tatum 1948 Art Tatum 1956
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Drummer Ray McKinley is believed to have met Glenn Miller (below) in Dallas in 1929 before either of them had made much progress in their musical careers. Together they joined the Dorsey Brothers in 1934. There is no doubt some McKinley drumming in entries for Glenn Miller below. In 1939 McKinley and trombonist Will Bradley formed their own orchestra in Bradley's name, after which McKinley put together his own band in 1942. Ray McKinley 1942 Ray McKinley 1942 Ray McKinley 1946 Piano: Lou Stein
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Ray McKinley |
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Trombonist Glenn Miller first recorded with the Dorseys in 1934, then formed his own band some three years later. Unfortunately, his career was as brief as successful. Unlike Elvis Presley whose career much later was interrupted by the draft, Miller joined the army for patriotic causes in 1942, was listed missing in action in 1944, and America lost a tremendously talented swing band musician. (More Glenn Miller under Marion Hutton in Swing Jazz 2.) Glenn Miller 1934 With the Dorseys Glenn Miller 1935 With the Dorseys Glenn Miller 1939 Glenn Miller 1939 Glenn Miller 1939 Glenn Miller 1939 Glenn Miller 1940 Glenn Miller 1941 Glenn Miller 1942 Glenn Miller 1946 Glenn Miller 1946 With Lillian Lane
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Glenn Miller |
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Teddy Wilson |
Pianist Teddy Wilson started his professional career in 1933 playing alongside Roy Eldridge for Speed Webb. That same year he joined the Chocolate Dandies. Though he recorded earlier solos his first record contract came in 1935, backing Billie Holiday with his own orchestra. Holiday and Wilson enjoyed a close musical relationship such that to say the one is to say the other. It is Holiday who sings in many of the samples of Wilson's band below. Holiday will also be found in Jazz 3. Teddy Wilson 1934 Piano solo Teddy Wilson 1935 With Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa Teddy Wilson 1937 With Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Life Begins When You're In Love Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday What a Little Moonlight Can Do Teddy Wilson 1935 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1936 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1937 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1937 With Boots CastleTeddy Wilson 1937 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1938 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1939 With Billie Holiday Teddy Wilson 1939 Teddy Wilson 1941 Teddy Wilson 1944 Teddy Wilson 1956 Duet with Lester Young Teddy Wilson 1956 Teddy Wilson 1985 Live performance
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Putney Dandridge |
Pianist and vocalist Putney Dandridge began his professional career in 1918, spending a decade or so touring and doing shows before forming his own band in Ohio in the early thirties. He first released his own recordings in 1935. Dandridge is a good example of early swing. Putney Dandridge 1935 Putney Dandridge 1935 Putney Dandridge 1936
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Roy Eldridge |
Roy Eldridge (Little Jazz) recorded his first trumpet solos with Teddy Hill in 1935 (unfound). He put together his first band, an octet, the next year. Roy Eldridge 1935 With Billie Holiday Roy Eldridge 1936 With Fletcher Henderson Roy Eldridge 1936 With Fletcher Henderson Roy Eldridge 1937 Roy Eldridge 1941 Roy Eldridge 1942 Drums: Gene Krupa Vocal: Anita O'Day Roy Eldridge 1942 Drums: Gene Krupa Vocal: Anita O'Day Roy Eldridge 1945 Roy Eldridge 1945 Roy Eldridge 1945 Roy Eldridge 1945 Roy Eldridge 1949 Drums: Gene Krupa Vocal: Dolores Hawkins Roy Eldridge 1954 Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie Roy Eldridge 1957 Guitar: Herb Ellis Piano: Oscar Peterson Vocal: Ella Fitzgerald Roy Eldridge 1961
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Allan Reuss |
Allan Reuss began studying guitar under George Van Eps in 1933 and would
soon replace Van Eps in the Glenn Miller orchestra. His first solos were
recorded with Miller in 1935 ('If I Could Be With You' and 'Rosetta'), the
same year he recorded with Lionel Hampton. In 1939 Reuss joined Jack
Teagarden's band, Jimmy Dorsey's in 1941 and Harry James' in 1942. Though
largely a rhythm guitarist, Reuss was often employed as more than only a
beat accompanist, but as the rhythmic drive to which bands attuned
themselves. Allan Reuss 1935 With Benny Goodman Allan Reuss 1936 With Billie Holiday Allan Reuss 1938 With Lionel Hampton Allan Reuss 1939 With Jack Teagarden Allan Reuss 1945 With Corky Corcoran (tenor sax) Alto sax: Willie Smith Trumpet: Emmett Berry Allan Reuss 1968
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Bandleader, composer and pianist Claude Thornhill was 16 when he and Artie Shaw began their careers together in Cleveland with Austin Wiley. Six years later, in 1931, they went to New York City together. It was 1935 when Thornhill joined Glenn Miller who was making his first recordings in his own name. Thornhill then formed his own orchestra in the latter thirties. Claude Thornhill 1937 Claude Thornhill 1941 Claude Thornhill 1941 Claude Thornhill 1942 Claude Thornhill 1947 Claude Thornhill 1947 Recorded 1946 With Fran Wallen
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Claude Thornhill |
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Pianist and swing band leader Count Basie began his musical career in Harlem. He first recorded in 1936 with 'Shoe Shine Boy'. Basie is also featured with most of the samples of tenor saxophonist Lester Young below. Count Basie 1936 Count Basie 1936 Count Basie 1937 Count Basie 1937 Count Basie 1937 Count Basie 1937 Count Basie 1938 I Sent For You Yesterday and Here You Come Today Count Basie 1939 With James Rushing Count Basie 1957
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Count Basie |
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Pianist Clyde Hart began his professional career in 1930 with Gene Coy,
also playing with Jap Allen. The next year (1931) he joined Blanche
Calloway's orchestra, thus may well have had his first recording experiences
as one of her Joy Boys. Hart does, though, definitely appear on recordings
in 1936 with both Billie Holiday (Jazz 3) and trumpeter Henry Red Allen
(Jazz 1). Clyde Hart 1936 Trumpet: Henry Red Allen Vocal: Putney Dandridge Clyde Hart 1936 Trumpet: Henry Red Allen Vocal: Putney Dandridge Clyde Hart 1936 Trumpet: Henry Red Allen Clyde Hart 1939 With Lionel Hampton Clyde Hart 1939 With Lionel Hampton Clyde Hart 1945 Saxophone: Charlie Parker Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie Clyde Hart 1945 Saxophone: Charlie Parker Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie
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Woody Herman |
Clarinetist and sax player Woody Herman first recorded as a band leader in 1936 with 'Wintertime Blues' (unfound). With his "First Herd" he largely produced blues orchestrations. In 1947 he formed his "Second Herd" with musicians such as saxophonists Al Cohn and Zoot Sims (early modern sax in Jazz 4). Woody Herman 1939 Woody Herman 1939 Woody Herman 1939 Woody Herman 1943 Woody Herman 1945 First Herd Woody Herman 1947 Second Herd Woody Herman 1963
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Clarinetist Joe Marsala left Chicago for New York City in 1936 where he and his band played at the Hickory House for a decade. 1936 is also the first recording found for him. Joe Marsala 1936 With Putney Dandridge Joe Marsala 1936 With Putney Dandridge Joe Marsala 1936 With Henry Red Allen Joe Marsala 1941 Joe Marsala 1944 With Linda Keene Joe Marsala 1945 Joe Marsala 1945 Joe Marsala 1948
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Joe Marsala |
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Lester Young began his career in 1933 in Kansas City, playing clarinet, sax and trumpet with various bands. Before joining Fletcher Henderson's orchestra Young played with pianist Count Basie, first recording with the same in 1936. Most of the earlier examples below are with Basie. Lester Young 1936 With Count Basie Lester Young 1936 With Count Basie Lester Young 1938 With Count Basie Lester Young 1938 With the Kansas City Six Way Down Yonder In New Orleans Lester Young 1939 With Glenn Hardman Lester Young 1939 Lester Young 1939 With Count Basie Vocalist: James Rushing Lester Young 1940 Lester Young 1940 Guitar: Charlie Christian Piano: Count Basie Lester Young 1948 Drums: Roy Haynes Lester Young 1948 Drums: Roy Haynes Piano: Junior Mance Lester Young 1948 Drums: Roy Haynes Lester Young 1949 Drums: Roy Haynes Piano: Junior Mance Lester Young 1949 Drums: Roy Haynes Piano: Junior Mance Lester Young 1949 Drums: Roy Haynes Piano: Junior Mance Lester Young 1949 Lester Young 1951 Lester Young 1956 Piano: Teddy Wilson Lester Young 1958
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Lester Young |
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Buck Clayton |
Arranger and trumpeter Buck Clayton formed his first band in 1929 upon graduating from high school. Five years later he took off for Shanghai and played jazz with Chinese musicians. Upon his return he first recorded with Billie Holiday and the Teddy Wilson Orchestra in 1937 ('Why Was I Born'). His first recorded solo was the same year with Count Basie ('Swingin’ at the Daisy Chain'). Buck Clayton 1937 With Billie Holiday Buck Clayton 1937 Buck Clayton 1942 Buck Clayton 1955 With Coleman Hawkins Buck Clayton 1958 Live performance Buck Clayton 1961 Live performance
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Clarinetist Artie Shaw, also a writer, liked to mix classical into his jazz. One of the more unique of the big band leaders, Shaw's first known recording, 'Interlude in B Flat', was in 1937. But it was the popularity of 'Begin the Bequine' in 1938 that launched his career. His rendition of 'Moonglow' below is eight years after it was first recorded in 1933 by jazz violinist Joe Venuti (Jazz 1). Artie Shaw 1937 Artie Shaw 1938 Artie Shaw 1940 Artie Shaw 1941 Artie Shaw 1942 Artie Shaw 1945 Album Artie Shaw and His Orchestra Play Gershwin Artie Shaw 1953
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Artie Shaw |
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Les Brown |
Although Les Brown played saxophone he is better known as an arranger and bandleader, as well as his work with Doris Day (Jazz 8) and later Bob Hope (USO tours). Brown formed his first orchestra at age fourteen (1926) and first recorded in 1938 (unfound). Les Brown Band of Renown 1940 Vocals: Doris Day Les Brown Band of Renown 1940 Vocals: Doris Day Les Brown Band of Renown 1963 Vocals: Brenda Lee Les Brown Band of Renown 1983 Vocals: Henry Butch Stone Les Brown Band of Renown 1983 Les Brown Band of Renown 1983 Vocals: Jo Ann Greer
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Johnny Hodges, clarinet and sax, is largely associated with Duke Ellington. He released his first album as a band leader, 'Passion Flower', in 1946. Johnny Hodges 1936 With Billie Holiday It's Like Reaching For the Moon Johnny Hodges 1938 Johnny Hodges 1946 Johnny Hodges 1965 Johnny Hodges 1969
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Johnny Hodges |
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Louis Jordan
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Bandleader, saxophonist and vocalist Louis Jordan got his big break when Chick Webb invited him to join his gig at the Savoy Ballroom in 1936. Which was great until Jordan developed the notion that Ella Fitzgerald might leave Webb's orchestra to help him form his own band. Webb fired him for the attempt, after which Jordan put his own band together anyway, 'Honey In the Bee Ball' among his first recordings as a bandleader in 1938. From thereon Jordan never missed a beat, enjoying a stellar career that rivaled the likes of Cab Calloway and Count Basie, largely with his band, the Tympany Five, until his death by heart attack in 1975. Not only an important jazz musician, Jordan was a natural to rock & roll later in his career. (For samples of that see A Birth of Rock & Roll 1.) Louis Jordan 1938 Louis Jordan 1939 Keep a Knocking But You Can't Come In Louis Jordan 1944 Louis Jordan 1944 Is You Or Is You Ain't My Baby Louis Jordan 1946 Louis Jordan 1946 Louis Jordan 1946 Louis Jordan 1947 Louis Jordan 1947 Film: 'Reet, Petite and Gone' Dancing: Mabel Lee Louis Jordan 1949 Louis Jordan 1951 Louis Jordan 1966 Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying
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Buddy Rich |
Buddy Rich was another remarkable drummer who got his start in swing with Joe Marsala in 1937. He first recorded with the Vic Schoen Orchestra in 1938. (For Vic Schoen see the Andrew Sisters in Jazz 3.) Buddy Rich 1942 With Eleanor Powell Buddy Rich 1955 With Sweets Edison
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Sammy Kaye got his first real start in 1938 with his own orchestra, billing at the Commodore Hotel, where Tommy Dorsey had been playing. Also a vocalist, Kaye would become known for "sweet" swing. Sammy Kaye 1937 Sammy Kaye 1938 Sammy Kaye 1941 Sammy Kaye 1951 Sammy Kaye 1951 Sammy Kaye 1963
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Sammy Kaye |
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Trombonist Will Bradley formed his own orchestra with drummer Ray McKinley in 1939. Will Bradley 1940 Will Bradley 1940 Will Bradley 1940 Will Bradley 1941
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Will Bradley
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Charlie Christian |
Guitarist Charlie Christian nigh started at the top, joining Benny Goodman in 1939, with whom he first recorded the same year. The majority of the examples of Christian below are with Goodman. Playing with all the big names from Clayton to Henderson to Basie to Hampton, there is some debate as to whether Christian was the first to play or record electric guitar, some believing it was George Barnes (Jazz 7) or T-Bone Walker (Blues 1). Charlie Christian 1939 Charlie Christian 1939 Trumpet: Buck Clayton Charlie Christian 1939 Piano: Fletcher Henderson Charlie Christian 1939 Charlie Christian 1939 Charlie Christian 1940 With Lionel Hampton Charlie Christian 1940 With Lionel Hampton and Count Basie Charlie Christian 1945
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Trumpeter Harry James played with Ben Pollack and Benny Goodman before forming his own band and releasing 'You Made Me Love You' in 1939. His was the first band of stature to employ Frank Sinatra (Jazz 8). Harry James 1939 Harry James 1939 Harry James 1942 Harry James 1942 With Helen Forrest Harry James 1945 With Helen Forrest Harry James 1952 With Rosemary Clooney
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Harry James |
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Jimmy Blanton
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Phenomenal double bassist Jimmy Blanton joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra upon graduating from college, with whom he likely made his first recordings. Briefly afterward he began working with Duke Ellington. Unfortunately Blanton's career ended only two years later, age 23, upon commitment to a sanatorium for tuberculosis. Jimmy Blanton 1940 Piano: Duke Ellington Jimmy Blanton 1940 Piano: Duke Ellington
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Bandleader and pianist Jay McShann left Oklahoma for the Kansas City music scene in 1936, forming his own orchestra that same year. His would later be the band that backed Kansas City rocker Priscilla Bowman (Rock 4). More Jay McShann in Blues 4. Jay McShann 1940 Saxophone: Charlie Parker Jay McShann 1941 Jay McShann 1941 Saxophone: Charlie Parker Jay McShann 1943 Jay McShann 1945
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Jay McShann |
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Edmond Hall |
Clarinet player Edmond Hall had been a farmhand until beginning his professional career in New Orleans in 1920. It took a score of years for his major break to occur, upon joining Teddy Wilson's orchestra in 1941, the same year he may have first recorded. 'Blue Interval', below, is an excellent example of early "smooth" jazz. Edmond Hall 1941 Piano: Ken Kersey Trumpet: Henry Red Allen Edmond Hall 1941 With Ida Cox Edmond Hall 1941 Piano: Ken Kersey Trumpet: Henry Red Allen Edmond Hall 1941 Guitar: Charlie Christian Edmond Hall 1944 Piano: Teddy Wilson Vibes: Red Norvo Edmond Hall 1944 Piano: Teddy Wilson Edmond Hall 1944 Edmond Hall 1949 Edmond Hall 1955 Edmond Hall 1958 Trumpet: Louis Armstrong
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Lucky Millinder |
Bandleader Lucky Millinder played no instrument but is an important bridge from swing to rock and roll. He began his career as a bandleader in 1932 but didn't record until 1941. Lucky Millinder 1941 Vocals: Rosetta Tharpe Lucky Millinder 1941 Vocals: Trevor Bacon Lucky Millinder 1941 Lucky Millinder 1942 Lucky Millinder 1943 Vocals: Trevor Bacon Lucky Millinder 1950 Vocals: Myra Johnson
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Remo Palmieri had
originally intended to become an artist, supporting his studies by playing
guitar. It was 1942 when he decided to make music his career, forming a trio
with guitarist Nat Jaffe and bassist Leo Guarnieri. None of his first four
recordings with that trio in 1944 are found: 'Blues In Nat's Flat', 'These
Foolish Things', 'A Hundred Years From Today' and 'If I Had You'. While with
the Nat Jaffe Trio Palmieri worked briefly with sax player Coleman Hawkins (Jazz
4)
in 1943, then with vibraphonist Red Norvo in 1944. Though Palmieri recorded
as late as 1985 he is most remembered as a swing musician, due largely to a
career as an uncredited accompanist. Indeed, he worked for CBS for 27 years
with the Arthur Godfrey Show. Remo Palmieri 1944 Vibes: Red Norvo Remo Palmieri 1944 Clarinet: Barney Bigard Remo Palmieri 1945 Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie Remo Palmieri 1945 Vocal: Sarah Vaughan
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Remo Palmieri |
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With Remo Palmieri we pause this history. We will be adding more material as such occurs.
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A Birth of the Blues 1: Early Blues 1: Guitar
A Birth of the Blues 2: Early Blues 2: Vocal - Other Instruments
A Birth of the Blues 3: Modern Blues 1: Guitar
A Birth of the Blues 4: Modern Blues 2: Vocal - Other Instruments
A Birth of Country 1: Bluegrass
A Birth of Country 3: Country Western
A Birth of Jazz 1: Early Jazz 1: Ragtime - Bands - Horn
A Birth of Jazz 1: Early Jazz 2: Ragtime - Song - Hollywood
A Birth of Jazz 1: Early Jazz 3: Ragtime - Other Instrumentation
A Birth of Jazz 2: Swing Era 1: Big Bands
A Birth of Jazz 3: Swing Era 2: Song
A Birth of Jazz 4: Modern 1: Saxophone
A Birth of Jazz 5: Modern 2: Trumpet - Other Horn
A Birth of Jazz 6: Modern 3: Piano
A Birth of Jazz 7: Modern 4: Guitar - Other String
A Birth of Jazz 8: Modern 5: Song
A Birth of Jazz 9: Modern 6: Percussion - Other Instruments
A Birth of Rock & Roll 1: Early - Boogie Woogie - R&B
A Birth of Rock & Roll 2: Other Musical Genres
A Birth of Rock & Roll 3: Doo Wop
A Birth of Rock & Roll 4: The Big Bang
Musician Index 2: Country Music - Bluegrass - Folk
Musician Index 3: Country Music - Country Western
Musician Index 4: Jazz Early - Swing Jazz
Musician Index 5: Jazz Modern - Horn
Musician Index 6: Jazz Modern - Piano - String
Musician Index 7: Jazz Modern - Percussion - Song - Other
Audio/Video Downloaders/Converters - CD/DVD Burners
interdex (at) violafair (dot) com
