The Big Bands

There are two definitive periods in the history of popular big bands beginning in the mid 1920s. Big Bands generally consisted of a 10 to 30 piece orchestras and were influenced by improvisation giving a unique contribution to the evolving musical trends.

This all gradually matured and The Big Bands established a firm footing over the war years and some iconic names were established. The whole process had a vibe and spawned the development of new music trends.

Jazz was inspirational and equally the way people expressed themselves was a launching platform for a new age in modern dance. This lead to the evolution of “Lindy Hop” and eventually maturing into the Rock and Roll era.

Everyone knows of Glenn Miller and he was a tragic loss to the Big Band scene when his plane was mysteriously lost but his legacy lived on.

There were other giants out there ready to take on the challenge and although not as well known there contributions were huge. We have Benny Goodman, Charlie Spivak, Tommy Dorsey, and Cab Calloway to name but a few and the infusion of singers such as the Andrews Sisters enhanced a developing music revolution.