1930s – History of Music

8 min 0

1930s
Jazz

Take the “A” Train by Duke Ellington: Swing’s Most Elegant Ride Uptown

schill
July 26, 2025

When the name Duke Ellington comes up, it’s impossible not to think of grandeur, sophistication, and an unmatched contribution to the world of jazz. Among his extensive catalog of classics, “Take the ‘A’ Train” stands out not only as a definitive piece of the Ellington legacy but also as an emblem of an era, a…

8 min 0

1930s
Jazz

Swinging Through the Smoke: Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” and the Sound That Won a War

schill
July 19, 2025

There’s a moment, somewhere between the opening riff and the explosive horn chorus of “In the Mood,” where time folds into itself. Whether it’s 1939 or 2025, whether you’re hearing it on a dusty 78, a crackling jukebox, or in a film montage of soldiers marching off to war, Glenn Miller’s magnum opus reaches into…

8 min 0

1930s
Jazz

Swing’s Defining Statement: The Enduring Influence of “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington

schill
July 5, 2025

“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” stands as one of the most iconic and influential jazz standards ever composed. Penned in 1931 by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills, the song is widely credited with popularizing the term “swing” and articulating the spirit that would define an entire era…

9 min 0

1930s
Jazz

Swinging Through History: The Enduring Legacy of “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller

schill
July 5, 2025

The unmistakable riff, the jubilant brass blasts, and the infectious rhythm of “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller have long symbolized the golden era of big band swing music. Released in 1939, this song became an anthem of a generation and remains one of the most iconic and enduring pieces of American music history. It…

4 min 0

The Haunting Melancholy of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit”

schill
February 28, 2024

Billie Holiday’s rendition of “Strange Fruit” stands as a haunting and poignant indictment of racial violence in America. Originally a poem written by Abel Meeropol, Holiday’s interpretation of the song transformed it into a chilling lament that reverberates with the weight of history. Released in 1939 amidst a backdrop of racial segregation and injustice, “Strange…