The Sounds of the Era

Glenn Miller

Glenn Miller was both a composer and a trombonist, his music remaining tremendously popular even after his death in 1944. Miller formed his own orchestra and eventually became a major in the U.S. Air Force, leading its band. His “Tuxedo Junction” and “That Old Black Magic” became no. 1 hits. Other trademark songs were “Moonlight Serenade”, which he composed himself, and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” Miller introduced a different “sound” to the era with his arrangements, which were well-organized, and smooth, punctuated every so often by bursts of trombone. His band relied much on the saxophone for its classic, much-copied sound.

Benny Goodman

The “King of Swing”, or in other words, Benny Goodman, was born in Iowa. As a clarinetist and orchestra leader, he was well-known for his theme song, “Let’s Dance.” His orchestra always set the toes a-tapping with his trademark sound, often handling fast, slippery tunes, with the clarinet prominently featured.

The Dorseys

Jimmy and Tommy

Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey were brothers from Pennsylvania. Both on their own and together, they were orchestra leaders whose music was very popular in the forties. Jimmy leaned more toward a jazz style, playing the clarinet and the saxophone. Tommy was a successful trombone player. His “There are Such Things”, sung by Frank Sinatra, was a no. 1 hit.

Frank Sinatra

Most called him “Mr. Blue Eyes” or just plain “Frank.” Francis Albert Sinatra emerged during the 1940s as a popular soloist, making his debut in 1942. In the early forties he sang for Harry James, as well as for Tommy Dorsey’s Orchestra. Sinatra was a performer on the radio program “Your Hit Parade.” His wistful, tender crooning style was perfect for the many love ballads which he sang.

Count Basie

William “Count” Basie was born in New Jersey. He organized a major big band, which quickly became a favorite during the era. Sometimes he would even have his band perform the arrangements from memory. Basie’s most-remembered songs are “One O’ Clock Jump” and “Jumpin’ at the Woodside.”

The Andrews Sisters

The Andrews Sisters entertain U.S. troops.

The talented Andrews Sister—LaVerne, Maxine, and Patty—had a lively, slightly sassy harmony that blended clearly. Adept at harmonizing the most difficult of melodies, their “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Rum and Coca-Cola” were smash hits. Known as “America’s Wartime Sweethearts”, the Andrews Sisters would often perform for U.S. troops during World War II.

Harry James

“It’s so easy to say pet names when you listen to the trumpet of Harry James.” So goes the song “Juke Box Saturday Night.” Harry Haag James was famous for his being married to actress Betty Grable, as well as for being a polished trumpeter. The Texan’s trumpeting, done in jazz style, was strong, bold, and loud. As a teenager, Harry James gained experience by leading a circus band. In 1936, he accepted a job from the celebrated Benny Goodman. He later left Goodman to form his own band, the James Orchestra. During this time, he was named the world’s number-one trumpeter. A promoter of his music wrote: “Color, instrumental brilliance, imaginative arrangements, delightful dance music, top-notch vocals. . . make a combination that is unsurpassed.” His1941 song “You Made Me Love You” secured his place, both with fans and in history, as a popular big band leader.

Photograph Credits- GLENN MILLER: youtube; BENNY GOODMAN: hdg.de; DORSEY BROTHERS: jazzwax; POSTER: thevintagemusicblog; FRANK SINATRA: Pinterest; COUNT BASIE: musicianbio.org; ANDREWS SISTERS: vintag.es; ANDREWS SISTERS WITH TROOPS: reddit.com; HARRY JAMES: Wikipedia.