- Who: Swing jazz was a fast paced, energetic type of music that attracted the younger generation of the time period. The great musicians of the era were often African American, and the new dances that were being performed were often a style of dance taught by African Americans as well. During this time many “Big Bands” formed spreading music and introducing integration of races within these bands. Famous musicians during this time period included Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Django Reinhardt and Benny Goodman.
- What: Swing and jazz is described as the major type of music and dance that was popular in the early 1900s. This time period can be described as a time when big bands developed, new styles of dance were created, music served as an emotional outlet, and swing became the center stage in American youth culture. This shift in music caused major political, economic, social, cultural and instrumental change.
- When: The early 1900s. 1920-1935 swing bands along with Big Bands began their rise, and 1935-1945 is the time referred to as the swing era when swing and jazz was spreading and most popular. This era of music can also be referred to as Great Depression time period or “In between the wars”. The Swing era of Jazz was preceded by the early Jazz era and followed by the Bop era.
- Where: Jazz music originally developed in New Orleans but steam boats using the Mississippi River and other technologies such as the radio helped spread the new music and culture pared with it. Jazz became the prominent music played for swing dances and it spread all throughout the Americas, to Europe, and eventually Asia.
- How: Technology such as steam boats, automobiles, television, the press, and radios helped further spread the popularity of swing jazz music and dance. The popularity of the music increased as Americans invented exciting, new, danced to be done in rhythm with the new kinds of music. Swing music itself became popular due to the rediscovery of old African American Jazz records by the white American youth.
- Why: Swing Jazz became popular due to its upbeat tempo that encouraged dance. Additionaly, sounds that radiated American ideals of freedom and democracy encouraged its growth and spread even more so. Lastly the culture and lifestyle that was built around Swing music allowed for the longevity of its popularity.