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Swing Era Magazine Archive

Browse our Swing Era Magazine Archive and listen to the 1930s and 1940s on our live radio stream

March 1, 1944 Downbeat Magazine scan: Five-photo spread by Warren Rothschild of Louis Jordan pantomiming 'Ration Blues,' 'Deacon Jones,' and other hits.

Louis Jordan: March 1, 1944 Downbeat Magazine

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Historical 1940 magazine scan of the 1939 Metronome All-Stars session.

1939 Metronome All-Stars: March 1940 Metronome Magazine

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March 1940 Metronome Magazine scan: Group photo of 1939 All-Star Winners at Columbia Recording Studios, including Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, and Charlie Christian.

All Stars Wax Great Record! Metronome All Stars Of 1939

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March 1942 Downbeat Magazine scan: Johnny Long posing with a giant novelty record prop on a table for a promotional photo op.

The World’s Biggest Record? March 1942 Downbeat Magazine

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Jay McShann Rhythm Section performing in 1942 Downbeat scan

That McShann Rhythm Section! Downbeat March 1942

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March 1938 Downbeat Magazine scan: Django Reinhardt and Charles Delaunay in Paris. A historic photo documenting the Quintette du Hot Club de France’s recognition in the American jazz press.

Django Reinhardt With Charles Delaunay: March 1938 Downbeat

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March 15, 1942 Downbeat Magazine main page scan: Original obituary headline for jazz guitar pioneer Charlie Christian, reporting his passing at age 25.

Charlie Christian’s Untimely Passing: Downbeat March 15, 1942:

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March 1945 Metronome Magazine cover scan: Portrait of Artie Shaw following his Navy discharge, marking the debut of his modern, brass-heavy 1945 orchestra.

Artie Shaw: Metronome Magazine Cover March 1945

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Apollo Jam Session: July 1, 1940 DownBeat Magazine scan: Famous jam session photo at the Apollo Theater featuring Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Count Basie, and Benny Carter.

A Million-Dollar Swing Era Sax Section: 7-1-1940 DownBeat

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February 1, 1940 DownBeat Magazine scan: Harlan Leonard and His Rockets posing with a 'Hairy Joe' character in a staged promotional photo for 'Hairy Joe Jump'.

“Hairless Joe” Meets “Hairy Joe” DownBeat Magazine 2-1-1940

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Gene Krupa and Louie Bellson 1942 DownBeat Magazine scan

Gene Krupa And Louie Bellson: 2-19-1942 DownBeat

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September 1, 1941 DownBeat Magazine scan: A historic jazz summit at Kelly’s Stable featuring Louis Prima, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Benny Carter, and Zutty Singleton.

Louis Prima And Some Jazz Friends: DownBeat 9-1-1941

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June 1937 Metronome Magazine scan: The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra at their peak, titled 'Swinging and Symphonic Riffers' to highlight their disciplined ensemble style.

Jimmie Lunceford’s Swinging Men: Metronome, 1-1940 Issue

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January 1937 Metronome Magazine scan: Andy Kirk & His 12 Clouds of Joy. A historic group photo featuring pianist and arranger Mary Lou Williams during their Kansas City peak.

Andy Kirk and His 12 Clouds of Joy: Metronome Magazine 1-1937

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January 1941 Metronome Magazine scan: Group photo of the 1940 All-Star Poll winners at RCA Victor studios, featuring Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, and Tommy Dorsey.

The Metronome All-Star Band Of 1940

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