Depression-Era Jazz

drkatz · 05-23-2003, 10:22 PM

I got suckered into a class on the early days of radio, only the professor has declared that he "doesn't really like any kind of music." So he's put the responsibility on me to figure out what the class should hear. So far I figure Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Louis Jordan, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald, but I don't know nearly enough to do this right.

Stardust · 05-24-2003, 04:02 AM

I think you should go on Billie Holliday, but that's just my opinion.
If you really wanna know something, I think I can help out...I just don't really get what you have to do...ask me anything

drkatz · 05-24-2003, 12:08 PM

the point of the class is to study radio and its role in American society from the 20s-50s. Since my prof hates music, somehow i'm responsible for bringing in relevant/appropriate music from the time that was on the radio. For the 20s and 30s I don't really know as much as I should.

Stardust · 05-24-2003, 12:26 PM

can certainly give you a list of some top 'hits' from the 20s and 30s. Regarding who sang them, well any popular song in the 20s and 30s was recorded and sung by many entertainers, it wasn't like today where songs are usually associated with one artiste or group. Anyway for each tune that I list I will give you the name of a singer who recorded it. But I need to know if you are in UK or USA or wherever, so you get an appropriate list of artistes.

Stardust · 05-24-2003, 12:42 PM

Into the 1920's and the foxtrot became popular along with dance bands and their records. The songs would include things like Aint She Sweet, Shine, Lady Be Good, Don't Bring Lulu, Black Bottom, Sweet Sue, You're The Cream In My Coffee etc. You can get CD's and hear sound clips at:
http://www.pastperfect.com

drkatz · 05-24-2003, 12:52 PM

USA...and as much as I'd LOVE to get carried away with this, my prof is a crotchety old bastard who'll cut me off pretty quick.

Equinox · 06-13-2003, 01:20 AM

I tend to like Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey...but maybe that's in a different timeframe, and not to mention Count Basie

Darkheart · 06-18-2003, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by drkatz
the point of the class is to study radio and its role in American society from the 20s-50s. Since my prof hates music, somehow i'm responsible for bringing in relevant/appropriate music from the time that was on the radio. For the 20s and 30s I don't really know as much as I should.

I don't know how much research you're willing to do, but you may want to look into the Ken Burns Jazz documentaries . It's about 10 volumes (each an hour) long, but the early days, which would include the 20's and 30's, is just the first three I believe. You may be able to rent them from your local video store. I saw the entire set when it played on PBS last year, and I was amazed how thorough it seemed. As I recall he named Fats Whaller (among others) as one of the pioneers of Jazz.

Sounds like a fun class!