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Swing Era Magazine Archive

Browse our Swing Era Magazine Archive while you listen to the 1930s and 1940s on the Swingmusic.org Radio live stream. 

Benny Carter double exposure trick photograph playing sax and trumpet from Down Beat 1939

Benny Carter: 1939 Down Beat Swing Club Scan

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Mary Lou Williams, Andy Kirk and Pha Terrell June 1939 Downbeat article

Mary Lou Williams: 1939 Downbeat Feature

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Archival Metronome scan from April 1937: Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performing at the Midtown Cotton Club with Ethel Waters.

Beyond the Jungle: Duke Ellington’s Transition at the Cotton Club

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Archival scan from DownBeat, April 1940: Top photo shows Duke Ellington’s saxophone section; bottom photo shows Harry James and Jack Teagarden laughing together.

Duke Ellington: 1940 Blanton-Webster DownBeat Scan

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Archival black and white photo of Jimmie Lunceford and Cab Calloway from Metronome, March 1940, laughing together at the Chick Webb memorial benefit concert

Chick Webb: The 1940 Memorial Concert

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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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Thanks for browsing our Swing Era Magazine Archive. Listen now to these fabulous jazz musicians featured extensively on the Swingmusic.org Big Band Radio stream. Explore more Big Band Era jazz history in our Jazz History Legends and Legacies Vault.