When you think of Big Bands and the artists that were prominent during the period when swing dance music was popular, some of the well-known performers include trumpeter Louis Armstrong, Count Basie (a renowned composer and pianist) and Duke Ellington (an influential individual in the creation of the Big Band form).
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, who played trumpet and sang, was the first of the jazz musicians to use his musical celebrity status in comedy and acting. Armstrong founded and established a rhythmic method to improvisation which was called swinging. As a result, swing becomes a component of jazz. In fact, Armstrong discussed his personal jazz experiences and the jazz transition to swing in the book, Swing That Music, which was written in 1936.
Count Basie
Count Basie was a big band leader who studied piano when he was young under the tutelage of his mother. Later, his piano playing was influenced by Fats Waller, who was his mentor. Basie started professionally playing jazz in 1927 when he could not go back east because he lacked the necessary bus fare. While in Kansas City, the pianist played with the well-known Bennie Moten band. He became the leader of the band in 1935 when Moten passed away.
By the time 1936 rolled around, Basie’s band was enjoying regular gigs at a place known as the Reno Club. Late night broadcasts were aired from the club to such far-reaching places as Chicago. Some Count Basie songs that were highly revered in the 40s include “One O’clock Jump,” “Taxi War Dance,” and “Lester Leaps In.” The Basie band disbanded in 1950. A subsequent orchestra was formed in 1952, which did not rely as heavily on improvisation.
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington, who was one of the big band swing artists pioneers, was a pianist, composer and bandleader. Ellington was noted as bringing prestige to the world of jazz – especially swing. He has often been referenced as “America’s greatest composer in any genre.” The band leader’s work in the jazz field has left behind an extensive collection of compositions – ranging from standards to complex suites.
Ellington started playing the piano at seven years old. Because of his natural ability to play piano music, his parent encouraged that he continue to pursue this kind of music in his career. His exotic jungle style of swing captivated audiences in the Cotton Club in New York City in the 30s.
Ella Fitzgerald
You cannot mention big band swing artists without paying homage to Ella Fitzgerald. Ella entered the field of show business after winning a 1934 talent competition. She became the featured singer at the famed Savoy Ballroom and was a singer in Chick Webb’s band. Fitzgerald launched a solo singing career in 1946.
When you think of Big Bands and the artists that were prominent during the period then contact on Sitename.
