Music of the 1930's
Musical Growth
In the 1930's big bands playing jazz and swing music were still popular, but many other solo artists began to pop up with softer genres continuing to develop after the microphone in the 1920s. As war progressed and the stock market crashed, music became more important than ever, often used as a distraction from the troubles going. Broadway theaters were being built and musicals became a growing popularity.
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Musicians of the 1930's
Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie was a singer and a guitar player from Oklahoma. Guthrie was commonly called the "Dust Bowl Balladeer" because he grew up during the dust bowl. But when Guthrie traveled top New York City to find work, he was introduced to Alan Lomax, who then gave Guthrie the job of singing on CBS "Folk School on the Air". Due to Guthrie's popularity on the show, Guthrie was considered to be the best balladeer player of the 1930's. |
Jelly Roll Morton
Jelly Roll Morton was an influential pianist and songwriter of the 1930's. Morton is known for influencing "the formation of modern jazz music." Morton's music career began when he was a teenager, playing with the Red Hot Peppers. However, the band broke up due to the lack of money and jobs during the Great Depression. Morton then found a job managing a jazz club. Fortunately, Alan Lomax offered Morton a recording opportunity, in order to document the history of the jazz culture, Morton also recorded jazz styles on the piano. Unfortunately, Morton never got back into the music industry because of his health. |
Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman was an American jazz and swing musician. He was commonly called "The King of Swing" because his swing music was so loved by the people. Goodman became the leader of his own band in 1934. Goodman helped break down the barriers between racism with his integrated band. As well as writing music, Goodman made many films, such as: Hollywood Hotel (1937), Syncopation (1942), and Sweet and Low-Down (1944). |