The Sound of an Era

of 1945 the big bands seemed as popular as ever, but over the next eighteen months public favor dropped and the cost of running a big band rose, toppling many bandstands. In December 1946 some of the most famous aggregations disbanded: Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Harry James, Benny Carter and Jack Teagarden. Most of these leaders reformed their bands within the next few years, but only their famous names kept them working. Never again would big bands have such overwhelming control over pop music. The years 1935-1945 represent the only time in musical history when the general public supported the widespread operation of large dance bands and orchestras. By so doing, they gave a unique musical sound to this memorable era.

Sources: The Rise and Fall of Popular Music, Donald Clarke; BG-On the Record, D. Russell Connor & Warren W. Hicks; Swingin' the Dream, Lewis Erenberg; Big Band Jazz, Albert McCarthy; The Big Bands, Gerge T. Simon; The Story of the Great Bands, John S. Wilson; Pop Memories, 1890-1954, Joel Whitburn.

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