1931-1940

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

Traces the development of bebop music, with an analysis of its transition from jazz, comments on the contributions made by specific performers, and discusses bebop as an art form and commercial phenomenon.

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.

Presents a comprehensive history of the music of the 1930s and 1940s, examining the various styles of music including popular hits, swing, and Broadway tunes, and profiles great songwriters and composers such as Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, the Dorseys, Glen Miller, and others.