Introduction
The 1930s was a fascinating period defined by the contrasting moods of the Great Depression and the beginnings of Old Hollywood. This era saw the evolution of music styles, the rise of popular singers, and the impact of musical films on pop culture.
Music Styles and Artists
The decade marked a shift in music, with styles such as Swing and Big Band becoming prominent from the mid-1930s to the early 1940s. This era also witnessed the advent of films showcasing song and dance, making it an important part of popular culture.
Jazz and Swing Evolution
Jazz music evolved into different styles, with Swing and Big Band becoming prominent during the 1930s and 1940s. Notable Swing musicians of the time included:
Cab Calloway Benny Goodman Chick Webb Duke Ellington Artie Shaw Louis Armstrong Glenn Miller Ella Fitzgerald Woody Herman Fletcher Henderson Billie Holiday Count Basie Jimmy Dorsey Tommy Dorsey
Bands like the Dorsey Brothers and Chick Webb were instrumental in the early establishment of Swing music and popularizing the genre across the United States.
Crooners and Popular Singers
The crooner genre emerged in the 1930s, characterized by sentimental pop and jazz standards. Notable crooners included:
Bing Crosby Rudy Vallee Fred Astaire Perry Como Russ Columbo Nat King Cole Frank Sinatra Hoagy Carmichael Eddie Cantor Louis Jordan Louis Prima Mildred Bailey Annette Hanshaw Ethel Shutta
Bing Crosby, in particular, dominated the charts of the 1930s, selling the most records and topping the charts. His distinctive bass-baritone voice and innovative use of radio paved the way for his successful career spanning the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.
Film Musicals and Stardom
During the 1930s, musical films played a crucial role in popular music, providing an escape from the grim realities of the Great Depression. Popular film stars who were also successful singers included:
Judy Garland Ruth Etting Shirley Temple Mae West Betty Grable Joan Blondell Irene Dunne Carole Landis Richard Rodgers Lorenz Hart Irving Berlin Cole Porter George and Ira Gershwin Jerome Kern
Some of the most popular musical films from the 1930s included:
42nd Street The Gay Divorcee Top Hat Showboat Alexander's Ragtime Band The Wizard of Oz Babes in Arms
These films introduced audiences to star singers and dancers, with many going on to become major figures in Hollywood. The implementation of the Production Code in 1934, which set stricter standards for film content, also left some creators returning to Broadway later in the decade.
Choreography and Iconic Performances
Hollywood's musicals of the 1930s were marked by elaborate choreography, particularly by director Busby Berkeley. His films featured intricate and geometric placements of dancers and showgirls, known as kaleidoscopic shots, often shown from an overhead angle. Notable dancers of the era include:
Fred Astaire Ginger Rogers
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were synonymous with the decade, appearing in 10 musical comedy films together. Their performances embodied the multi-talented entertainers that dominated the decade.
Conclusion
The 1930s was a transformative era for music and entertainment. From the rise of Swing music and crooners to the influence of film musicals, the decade shaped the landscape of popular music for decades to come. The enduring legacy of artists like Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and the performers in Hollywood's musical films continues to be celebrated today.