GRMUS J602 — The Swing Era

2 credits
Spring
Kenny Washington

Prerequisite: The Origins of Jazz . Seen as a highly democratic musical form, and one that assisted in relaxing some of the racial divisions in America, the Swing Era was embraced by people of all walks of life. The Swing Era was not just music, but culture distinctive, generational culture with its own dances, clothing styles, and, most notably, slang. This graduate course explores the music and culture of this extraordinary time in American history via the works of jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, and the “King of Swing,” Benny Goodman. Reading and listening assignments, class discussions, and final paper required.