Q. Can you recommend the best websites for information about the bands and performers of the Big Band Era? (Beside your articles, of course!) Tony Pa.
A. Here is the list (lots of audio clips included);
52nd Street: Stan Kenton
One of the more progressive, ambitious, and controversial big-band bandleaders. This is technically a website for his orchestra, but it contains lots of info on Stan himself.
Any Swing Goes
Geared towards the swing revival, this is a solid site featuring discussion, news, chat, and sound files of vintage and recent swing songs.
Artie Shaw
The official site for the reclusive "King Of Swing" who made standards like "Stardust" and "Begin The Beguine."
BandsofRenown.com
Les Brown and his Band Of Renown has this official website with lots of info on the man best known for "Leap Frog."
Big Band Radio.com
The Internet's premier big band radio station, featuring remotes from the golden era of swing music, as well as interviews, articles, and more.
Big Bands International
Arguably the leading magazine dedicated to big band and swing music; over a quarter-century old, this quarterly is published by one of the world's largest Big Band appreciation societies.
Craig's Big Bands and Big Names
Vintage reviews of classic swing performances, and also a few editorials, articles, and some memorabilia. Also features a radio show and bulletin board!
Dismuke's 1920s and 1930s Electrical Recordings
A wonderful place to hear Real Audio files of classic (and often obscure) swing and big-band songs, although there are other styles here as well. Over 125 selections!
Duke Ellington
The official site for the jazz legend, who is best known for standards like "Take The 'A' Train" and "Satin Doll."
Glenn Miller
This is the official site for the most famous of the big bandleaders. Lots of Miller merchandise for sale, as well!
The Big Band Era
A monthly online journal that discusses various big band eras, styles, and performers, and then offers up mp3s of their greatest songs!
The Big Band Jump
One of America's preeminent swing music radio shows, playing weekly on a station (hopefully) near you!
The Big Bands Database Plus
By far the most complete repository of Big Band and Swing information, with page upon page of info, including a near-complete list of bands from all over the world, a guide to songwriters, a series of articles on swing music, history, and culture, and much, much more! Outstanding.
Tommy Dorsey
One-half of the famous Dorsey brothers, this trombonist gained his greatest fame with his own big band. A bio from Wolverine Antique Music Society.
Tuxedo Junction
Devoted entirely to big band and swing music, this site offers a wealth of information on the subject(s), including numerous articles, biographies, and a jukebox stuffed with MIDI files. A little hard to navigate, though, and you'll definitely want to turn off your pop-ups first.
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Click below for our articles on The Top Ten Big Bands and The Top Band Vocalists.
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