Final project: Week 2 research

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History of Popular Culture—Week 2, Assignment 4

Analyze the characteristics of the medium from 1929 to 1946, how these characteristics influenced the events of the time, and vice versa. Also note how these events were influenced by the events or developments in other media of the time.

Swing music began to develop during the 1920s and became recognized as its own style of jazz by about 1935. It can be recognized by its strong rhythms and distinctive swing-time rhythm that is common to many forms of jazz.

Swing music is characterized by an uplifting, happy sound, typically played in a major key. Its popularity grew rapidly during the height of the depression, a time when many looked for ways to escape their unfavorable conditions. The music helped in that escape. Its happy melodies and upbeat tempo and rhythms lifted the spirits of those who heard it.

The relationship between swing music and the Great Depression was mutually beneficial; while swing music’s popularity grew because of the Depression and its effects on people of the time, the music itself affected the Depression, cheering many with the vibrancy and energy associated with it.

The Jitterbug style of dancing was a result of the new style of music. Swing’s fast tempos lent themselves well to an equally energetic style of dance, and many new dances were invented at the time: the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and the Cajun Jitterbug.

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