swing (music)

Charlotte Kraus would follow Angelika Haas anywhere. Which is how she finds herself in an underground club one Friday night the summer before World War II, dancing to contraband American jazz and swing music, suddenly feeling that anything might be possible. Unable to resist the allure of sharing this secret with Geli, Charlie returns to the club again and again, despite the dangers of breaking the Nazi Party's rules. Soon, terrified by the tightening vise of Hitler's power, Charlie and the other Swingjugend are drawn to larger and larger acts of rebellion. But the war will test how much they are willing to risk--and to lose.

Using archival footage, historic photographs, filmed performances, and recorded interviews with musicians and historians, this ten part documentary series explores the history of jazz and its influence on American music.

Focuses on the period in American musical history from 1930 to 1945 when jazz was synonymous with America's popular music.

Profiles the leading Swing musicians and groups from the World War II and post-World War II years, and discusses how cultural changes during the war and postwar years affected performers.

Chronicles the era of swing bands from 1930 to 1941 and examines the popularity of instrumental solists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, and Cab Calloway.