What kinds of music is good for swing dancing?
Lindy Hop is a jazz dance. Although it can be danced to many different styles of music, it evolved from the big band jazz of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The movements, feeling, and energy of the dance all find themselves in those musical forms. Some of the major band leaders of the day include: • Charlie Barnet • Count Basie • Tommy Dorsey • Benny Goodman • Duke Ellington • Jimmie Lunceford • Chick Webb You may also be familiar with swing-era vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, or the Andrews Sisters. For more historical information on the bands, check SwingMusic.net or The Big Bands Database Plus. In addition to the original artists, there are many modern jazz bands who play music in the big band style. The following is a selection of some of the best Swing bands around today. These bands are all well-liked by dancers, and play some of the best and most authentic styles. • The Bill Elliot Swing Orchestra • The Boilermaker Jazz Band • George Gee and his Make-Be
