Category Archives: Woody Herman

Woody Herman and the Band That Plays the Blues

Posted on January 21, 2012 by bigbandspotlight

Woody Herman led big bands for a half-century, but in the beginning it seemed unlikely he would last more than a year or so. Herman spent his first years as a bandleader struggling to find both an audience and a … Continue reading →

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The Singing Bandleaders

Posted on January 8, 2012 by bigbandspotlight

The common images of the great Swing Era bandleaders include dazzling trumpeters with gleaming horns; handsome young clarinet virtuosos; and elegant pianists conducting from the keyboard. Singers were an important part of every orchestra’s success, but few of them were … Continue reading →

Posted in Billy Eckstine, Bob Crosby, Cab Calloway, Jack Teagarden, Singers, Skinnay Ennis, Tony Pastor, Woody Herman | Leave a comment

Swingin’ Sounds and Sights

Posted on October 16, 2011 by bigbandspotlight

If I could travel in time, I’d go back to the Swing Era. I’d stop by the Savoy Ballroom and witness the Count Basie orchestra challenging drummer Chick Webb’s group in a battle of the bands. Then I’d join the … Continue reading →

Posted in Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman | Leave a comment