Mariana Duenas

US History II
Mr. Madden
4/20/13

Research Question:
To what extent was jazz music affected during The Great Depression in terms of its production,
distribution, and development in comparison to the style of blues?

A. Introduction
Throughout history, music has been a prevalent part of the culture and people of specific
societies. After all, the ability to make music is an innate quality that we all possess. Music has
had the ability to bring societies together and create a bond between its people. The Era of the
Great Depression is no stranger to this basic aspect of humanity. From Jazz to Blues, music
during the Great Depression changed as much as the people did, all while bringing communities
together. This historical investigation focuses on the specific changes that these two styles of
music underwent, and how the impoverished society affected them. It will look at the differences
between Jazz and Blues and discover why each style of music changed in its own different way
throughout this time period.

B. Annotated Bibliography
1. Jazz thrived throughout The Great Depression
a. Jazz. Dir. Ken Burns. PBS, 2001. DVD.
http://www.pbs.org/jazz/time/time_depression.htm
This documentary, originally broadcast on PBS offers a chronological view on the
history of jazz music. In its chapter on jazz music during the Great Depression, the
documentary explains how the music business came close to collapsing in the early
1930s following the Great Depression. Record companies, which had sold more than
100 million copies a year in the 1920s, were only selling six million in the 30s. Most
companies went out of business or resorted to selling radios instead of records, as they
were more useful at the time. Because of the increase of sales in radios, in the mid-30s,
 jazz was easier to come by and free to listen to. The fate of jazz turned around and it
became one of Americas most popular music, now going by the name swing. Swing
had a revolutionary impact when it rescued the recording industry. Sales rose from 10
million records in 1932 to 50 million in 1939. Swing was the basis of much Hollywood
theme music, and was the accompaniment for many new dance styles such as the Big
Apple and Little Peach, the Susy Q, and the Lindy Hop. Swing filled ballrooms with the
music of famous Louis Armstrong, Fletcher Henderson, and Duke Ellington. In 1939
when the stock market collapsed again, people still found ways to listen to jazz despite
the hardships they were faced with. Swing offered people with a way to forget about
their trouble as saxophonist Jerry Jerome describes.

b. "Jazz History: The Standards (1930s)." Jazz History: The Standards (1930s). N.p.,
n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jazzstandards.com/history/history-3.htm
All industries, including music, suffered through the Great Depression. By 1932, record
sales in the US were the lowest they had ever been at 6 million copies, in contrast to the
140 million sold in 1927. Putting aside the most popular musicians, jazz artists lost their
jobs and many stopped playing altogether. However, with the election of FDR in 1933,
the US began to turn around economically. Record sales began to rise and Americans
started putting juke boxes in establishments more frequently. In addition, the radio
continued being a main source of entertainment, as well as Hollywood films featuring
musical scores. Things began changing in 1935 with the beginning of the Swing Era.
Jazz and swing artists during the Great Depression produced more jazz standards than in
any other decade.
c. "Jazz by Decade: 1930 - 1940." About.com Jazz. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
http://jazz.about.com/od/historyjazztimeline/a/JazzByDecade193040.htm
In the 30s the Great Depression impacted countless industries. However, jazz music
stayed strong. While businesses were failing, dance halls were filled with people
dancing to the music of big bands, which would soon be called swing music. Since the
style of jazz had changed to a very mainstream feel, the earlier style of music was being
 forgotten and many older jazz musicians died or had to stop producing music. By the
end of the 1930s swing music had completely overtaken the earlier jazz music.

2. The transformation from Jazz to Swing

a. "Jazz History: The Standards (1930s)." Jazz History: The Standards (1930s). N.p.,
n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_music
Swing music developed in the 30s and by the 1940s was its own distinctive
style. The main instruments used are double bass and drums, as well as brass
instruments (trumpets, trombones) and woodwinds (clarinets, saxophones). Swing bands
usually had a soloist improvising a melody over the instrumental part. The name
swing comes from the emphasis that is put on the off-beat of the music, giving it a
swing feel. From 1935 to 1946, swing was the most popular form of American music,
and the period came to be known as the Swing Era.
The main difference between jazz and swing is in the beats; while jazz was played
with a two beat feel, swing was played with a four beat feel and a syncopated style.
Swing, as opposed to jazz, used horns and wind instruments to create an edgier sound
rather than using strings. However, jazz and swing share their origins in the African
American culture.
The name swing itself was a loosely used term before it became an official
style. As Louis Armstrong, a famous jazz musician, said: "Ah, swing, well, we used to
call it syncopationthen they called it ragtime, then bluesthen jazz. Now, it's swing."
All in all, the main difference and overall outcome of the transformation of jazz
into swing was that swing had a more sophisticated yet exciting feel. During the Swing
Era, the music produced was very popular and mainstream. Unlike jazz, which was
taken into high regard by famous musicians including classical composers, swing had a
less serious approach. It was geared more towards light entertainment and the industry
focused more on selling records than creating a form of art.
b. "Swing Music in America During the Great Depression." Bright Hub Education.
N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
 http://www.brighthubeducation.com/history-homework-help/87939-swing-music-
during-the-great-depression/
Many people disagree that swing music is a type of jazz. It originated and
developed in Harlem dance halls, but soon spread around the nation and could be heard
and seen everywhere by 1936. Although it originated with African Americans, swing
was largely popular among white audiences once white musicians began playing it in
ballrooms and theaters. Both swing and jazz are believed to have roots in the improvised
music played by slaves on instruments made with household objects. The music played
by slaves had influences from traditional African music, American folk music, and
European music. One of the key elements of the spread of swing music was the
popularity of radios. Radios became a staple in American households because aside from
the cost of the radio itself, the music was free to listen too.
The great depression hurt the music industry severely. Record sales went down
and many record companies changed into radio companies. More often than not, the
music heard on the radios was in fact jazz music. In the mid 1930s, the recording
industry benefited greatly and record sales reached 50 million (in 1932 they were only at
10 million). Hollywood was also benefiting during this time, and frequently used swing
in its movies. Swing dances such as the Suzy Q and the Lindy Hop, also known as
Jitterbugging, were very popular, and swing musicians were popular with the younger
generations.
c. Hussain, Samir. "The Birth, Life, Death and Revival of Swing." Any Swing Goes.
N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
http://www.anyswinggoes.com/features/108736033039853.shtml
Swing was first created by Benny Goodman during the Great Depression.
Although many bands were experimenting with the swing sound much earlier, it is
believed that the official arrival of the Swing Era was in 1935. Because of the downfall
of the jazz industry, there were many musicians looking for jobs. These musicians were
needed in swing because swing consisted of big bands. However, there were financial
issues, as bandleaders were desperate for money. What was worse was that not only
were people unable to pay for concerts, but the cost of travel and accommodations were
 high. Interestingly, many groups felt that although they could not be paid, they were
happy simply by performing.
Bandleaders began developing the swing style around 1933 by switching the
rhythm sections of the tuba and banjo to the string bass and guitar, consequently
changing the rhythm from 2/4 to 4/4. One of the most noteworthy changes from jazz to
swing was the role of the bandleader. The bandleader went from being simply the
conductor to being a virtuoso bandleader. That is to say, most swing bands were
centered around the bandleader and his instrument (usually trumpet, saxophone,
trombone, or piano). Swing offered depressed populations a feeling of optimism and joy.
d. Lahl, Tricia. "Types of Music in the 1920s & 1930s." EHow. Demand Media, 02
Jan. 2011. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
http://www.ehow.com/list_7717909_types-music-1920s-1930s.html
Swing music, a new style of jazz, illustrates the culture of the 30s. It spread
across the nation thanks to bandleaders such as Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, and
the popular dances associated with it. Swing appealed to most everybody, regardless of
race or age. Dances, clothing styles, and slang came out of its new fast-paced style.
Swing bands travelled across America and are credited as distinct generational culture.

3. The Development of Blues during the Great Depression

a. Lahl, Tricia. "Types of Music in the 1920s & 1930s." EHow. Demand Media, 02
Jan. 2011. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
http://www.ehow.com/list_7717909_types-music-1920s-1930s.html
Blues originated from African-American slave songs and was sung by musicians
in the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana, Piedmont region, and Texas. As African-Americans
spread from the south into the rest of the nation following the Jim Crow laws, blues
went with them.
b. The Great Depression Blues." The Great Depression Blues. N.p., n.d. Web. 07
Mar. 2013.
https://sites.google.com/site/thegreatdepressionblues/
With the Great Depression in 1929, American music trends changed in the same
way as the feelings of the population. The new music which expressed heartache and
 desperation gave the blues a new level of maturity. The period between 1930 and 1935
was filled with gloomy blues and ballads, which had never been so popular before. Just
like jazz, blues were hit hard by the market crash. Record sales went from 104 million in
1927 to 6 million in 1932. But by falling into the darkness, blues grew stronger. The
Great Depression forced blues music to endure without the influence of the public and
without the burden of having to sell to large audiences. In the 30s, blues came to be
known as representative of the experience of poor African Americans
The repeal of Prohibition helped keep blues music alive during the Great
Depression. Since new taverns, clubs, and bars began to open up, musicians had a place
to play. St. Louis, New York, and Chicago became centers of blues recording.
However, by 1935 swing was prosperous. Although it came from the same roots
as blues, it evolved differently and was more popular.
By the time the Depression was over, music had changed dramatically from what
it was in 1929. Although the styles came from the same origin, they had grown to be
extremely diverse.

C. Literature Review:
African American influence on music was prominent from the years prior to the Great
Depression to those immediately following. From the Jazz Age to the Swing Era, a great change
in music occurred. Due to the economic crash and the Great Migration, what had been two
separate types of music branched out into several styles. The styles of jazz and blues evolved in
their own ways, as their journey through the time of the Great Depression varied from one
another.
The time immediately preceding the Great Depression is known now as the Jazz Age.
Throughout this time, America was thriving economically. People in general were happy with
life and celebrated often with music, dancing and extravagant parties. Jazz music was by far the
most popular style of music, particularly in the New York area.
However, when the market crashed in 1929, the music industry, much like many others,
came close to collapsing in the blink of an eye. The era of the carefree lifestyle full of music and
dancing had a dramatic turnaround. Record sales, which had sold more than 104 million copies a
year in 1927 dropped suddenly to six million by 1932. The tunes being sung during the Jazz Age
such as Happy Days Are Here Again by Milton Ager turned into songs such as Brother Can
You Spare Me a Dime by Jay Gorney. People just werent interested in jazzs happy tunes any
longer. Not only could they not afford to buy music or attend concerts, but they wanted to figure
out their economic problems before worrying about music. Jazz musicians had a hard time
selling tickets and records, as the general population could not afford it.
With the desperation of the Great Depression, the blues began to thrive. People turned to
its melancholy feel and truthful lyrics. Like jazz, the blues originated from African American
culture in the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana, Piedmont region, and Texas. With the Great
Migration, in which six million African Americans moved from the south to the rest of the
nation, the style of blues was able to be spread around the country, particularly in Chicago. In
major cities and metropolitan areas, blues music developed its own style. Just like jazz, the blues
were hit hard by the Great Depression. However, since people related more to its gloomy feel, it
gained more popularity in the early years of the depression. The period between 1930 and 1935
was filled with gloomy blues and ballads, which were never as popular as they were then. People
wanted to feel like they werent the only ones who were suffering. They turned to blues music
for comfort and support. The blues were able to endure through the early stages of the
Depression in a more effective way than most other music genres. Since the genre was not as
popular as jazz, and there werent as many musicians, the industry did not have to deal with the
burden of trying to sell to large audiences in the same way jazz did. With the repeal of
Prohibition, blues were often heard in newly opened bars, clubs, and taverns. Major cities such
as New York, St. Lewis and Chicago became centers of blues recording.
Nevertheless, as the Depression continued relentlessly, people began to get tired of the
sadness and desperation. They were in need of something to take their minds off the hard times.
Lucky for them, while the blues got its moment in the spotlight, jazz musicians were busy
transforming the traditional form of jazz into something more exciting: swing. In the early
1930s, major jazz musicians realized that jazz needed a little tweaking, and some changes were
made. One of the biggest changes was in the rhythm; by switching from the tuba and banjo to the
bass and guitar, the rhythm was changed from 2/4 to 4/4. Now, instead of having an unsteady two
beat rhythm, it had a stronger four beat rhythm. Another noteworthy change was that of the
bandleader. In the earlier jazz music, the bandleader was simply the conductor and other than
guiding the bad had no major contribution to the music being played. In swing, however, the
band leader was the center of attention. They were often the soloists while the rest of the band
backed them up. Renowned jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are
known for being famous bandleaders at the time. The overall outcome from the changes was that
swing had a more sophisticated yet exciting feel. The songs and were known for their catchy
rhythm and tunes rather than their musical content. While jazz was taken into high regard by
famous musicians and classical composers for its complicated composing style and intricate
chord progressions, swing was more laid back and took a less serious approach. It was witty,
exciting, and likable, and that was what the general public wanted.
The official arrival of swing music is believed to be in the summer of 1935, when
bandleader Benny Goodman first premiered in a club in New York City. Many jazz musicians
were looking for jobs after the market crash, and most turned to swing music, as its big band
style provided them with many opportunities. Since swing bands consisted of many instruments,
including the double bass, drums, brass instruments, woodwinds, and singers, there were
countless jobs available to the otherwise starving jazz musicians. However, due to the difficulties
of selling shows and the cost of travel and accommodation, bandleaders were desperate for
money. Luckily, the increase in sales of radios thanks to President Roosevelts popular Fireside
Chats and other well-known radio programs, swing musicians found a way to finally bring back
music to the public.
By the mid-1930s radio sales were rising rapidly. Since, aside from the cost of the radio
itself, listening to music was free, it appealed to many people. This allowed for the increase in
the popularity of swing music. More and more big bands were being heard in households across
the nation. Along with this, jukeboxes were being bought in cities, and swing music could be
heard on the streets. Swing took the country by storm, and became the most popular style of
music by 1936. Record sales began to rise again, reaching 50 million by the mid- 1930s, a great
leap from the 6 million sold in 1932. With swing music followed popular swing dances that
could be seen in practically any dance hall across America. The Suzy Q, the Lindy Hop (also
known as Jitterbugging), and the Big Apple and the Little Peach all came from swing music.
Even Hollywood, which was also thriving at that time, featured swing music in its films.
Swing offered people with a way to forget about their troubles and look into a brighter
future. It helped take their minds off the hardships they were faced with and brought joy to the
population. Therefore, the way that music evolved throughout the Great Depression makes
perfect sense. The sentiment shared by the general population from the start to the end of the
Great Depression is reflected by the type of music they listened to. Jazz was prominent before
the depression because it was sophisticated, stylistic, and complicated but at the same time very
likeable and fun to listen to. It reminded people of the laidback times they were living in. When
the market crashed, people were no longer interested in the music that reminded them of how
easy life was prior to the Depression. Instead, they preferred music that they could connect with
on an emotional level and that made them feel like they werent the only ones suffering through
the hard times. Blues offered this to them in a way that jazz couldnt. But when people grew tired
of the weariness and desperation, they turned to the new and exciting form of music that came to
be known as swing. People were in dire need of something to lighten them up and reassure them
that the future would be better. People were able to connect with music throughout the Great
Depression and in the process, music styles changed dramatically.

D. Thesis
If you were to ask a crowd what the first thing that came to mind when they thought of
the 1920s, a large number of people would mention the Jazz Age, where from any party could be
heard the music of Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. However, most people tend to know
nothing about music after the Great Depression hit. Its as if about ten years of music history was
skipped, overshadowed by the events of the Great Depression. This investigation seeks to shed
some light on the musical innovations and evolutions that were taking place during this time, and
the reason for musics transformation. It is important to look not only at Jazz, but at other styles,
such as the blues, in order to gain some insight as to whether jazzs evolution was unique, or
whether it followed a pattern seen in other music. Thus, in this investigation, both the
development jazz and of blues was traced throughout the Great Depression with the goal of
finding how they were each affected by the economic problems, and how this changed each
style. It was concluded that if jazz musicians werent desperately searching for jobs and money,
then the style of swing would have never been created.
First and foremost, it is crucial to understand that both blues and jazz emerged from the
African American music of the Civil War era and the days of slavery. However, each style
evolved in its own unique way by the time the 1920s came around. Jazz was abundant all over
the country, and especially in cities like Chicago and New York, both of which were considered
centers of Jazz. The music of bands, which consisted of ten to twelve people, could be heard
from most bars and restaurants, and in most every dance hall. Jazz in that time was structured in
a very specific way. Jazz in that time was very keen on stressing the importance of complexity
within chords. With the use of unresolved 7th chords and other complex composing techniques,
1920s jazz was certainly a style that required skill. As undefinable as it may seem, it is certain
that jazz includes improvisation, group interaction, and the development of an individual voice.
On the other hand, blues was just beginning its long journey in the south. Having been
developed independently from jazz, blues has its own unique style. Thriving in the south, blues
in the 1920s had more of a rural, country feel to it. Like jazz, the blues originated from African
American culture in the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana, Piedmont region, and Texas. With the
Great Migration of the early 20th century, in which six million African Americans moved from
the south to the rest of the nation, the style of blues was able to be spread around the country,
particularly in Chicago. In major cities and metropolitan areas, blues music developed its own
style.
Nevertheless, both of these styles saw changes as soon as the Great Depression swept the
nation. Of course, the economic devastation affected almost every industry, and the music
industry was hit hard. The era of the carefree lifestyle full of music and dancing had a dramatic
turnaround. Record sales, which had sold more than 104 million copies a year in 1927 dropped
suddenly to six million by 1932. As people were preoccupied with their personal financial issues,
the general public simply didnt have the time or money to worry about music, and jazz was hit
especially hard. The tunes being sung during the Jazz Age such as Happy Days Are Here Again
by Milton Ager turned into songs such as Brother Can You Spare Me a Dime by Jay Gorney.
People just werent interested in jazzs happy tunes any longer, and musicians had a hard time
selling tickets and records, as the general population could not afford it.
However, while the jazz industry suffered greatly during the Great Depression, blues took
advantage of the hard times. With the desperation of the hard times and lack of money, people
preferred blues to jazz because of its melancholy feel and truthful lyrics. Just like jazz, the blues
were hit hard by the Great Depression. However, since people related more to its gloomy feel, it
gained more popularity in the early years of the depression. The period between 1930 and 1935
was filled with gloomy blues and ballads, which were never as popular as they were in that time.
People wanted to feel like they werent the only ones who were suffering, so they turned to blues
music for comfort and support. The blues were able to endure through the early stages of the
Depression in a more effective way than most other music genres, because it was relatable and
truthful. Since the genre was not as popular as jazz, and there werent as many musicians, the
industry did not have to deal with the burden of trying to sell to large audiences in the same way
jazz did. With the repeal of Prohibition, blues were often heard in newly opened bars, clubs, and
taverns, and major cities such as New York, St. Lewis and Chicago became centers of blues
recording. It is clear that jazz music lost much of its audience to the blues, and jazz musicians
realized that they needed to do something about the rapidly decreasing popularity of their music.
As the Great Depression relentlessly continued, jazz musicians realized that people grew
weary of all the sorrow and grief. They were in need of something to lift their spirits. Lucky for
them, while the blues got its brief moment in the spotlight, jazz musicians were busy
transforming the traditional form of jazz into something more exciting: swing.
In the early 1930s, jazz musicians realized that jazz needed a little tweaking in order to
make their music more popular, and some changes were made. One of the biggest changes was in
the rhythm, which was changed from 2/4 to 4/4 turning the unsteady two-beat rhythm to a
stronger four-beat rhythm. The next change they made was in terms of the band leader. In the
jazz music of the 1920s, the bandleader was simply the conductor, and other than guiding the
band he had no major contribution to the music being played. In swing, however, the band leader
was the center of attention. Additionally, he was often the soloists while the rest of the band
backed them up. Renowned jazz musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are
known for being famous bandleaders at the time. The overall outcome from the changes was that
swing had a more sophisticated yet exciting feel. The songs and were known for their catchy
rhythm and tunes rather than their musical content, and this was generally enjoyed by everyone.
While jazz was taken into high regard by famous musicians and classical composers for its
complicated composing style and intricate chord progressions, swing was more laid back and
took a less serious approach. It was witty, exciting, and likable, and that was what the general
public wanted.
The official arrival of swing music is believed to be in the summer of 1935, when
bandleader Benny Goodman first premiered in a club in New York City. One of the greatest
outcomes of swing music was that since many jazz musicians were looking for jobs after the
market crash, most of them turned to swing music, as its big band style provided them with many
opportunities. Since swing bands consisted of many more instruments than jazz, and including
the double bass, drums, brass instruments, woodwinds, and singers, there were countless jobs
available to the otherwise starving jazz musicians. However, due to the difficulties of selling
shows and the cost of travel and accommodation, bandleaders were still desperate for money.
Fortunately, the increase in sales of radios thanks to President Roosevelts popular Fireside
Chats and other well-known radio programs, swing musicians found a way to finally bring back
music to the public.
By the mid-1930s radio sales were rising rapidly. Since, aside from the cost of the radio
itself, listening to music was free, it appealed to many people. This allowed for the increase in
the popularity of swing music, and even more big bands were being heard in households across
the nation. Along with this, jukeboxes were being bought in cities, and swing music could now
also be heard in restaurants and other public areas. Swing took the country by storm, and became
the most popular style of music by 1936. Record sales began to rise again, reaching 50 million
by the mid- 1930s, a great leap from the 6 million sold in 1932. Swing music brought with it
popular swing dances that could be seen in practically any dance hall across America. The Suzy
Q, the Lindy Hop (also known as Jitterbugging), and the Big Apple and the Little Peach were all
dance to swing music. Swing music was everywhere, from the radio in the average home to big
Hollywood movies, and it was all due to the Great Depression.
Swing offered people with a way to forget about their troubles and look into a brighter
future. It helped take their minds off the hardships they were faced with and brought joy to the
population. Therefore, the way that music evolved throughout the Great Depression makes
perfect sense. The sentiment shared by the general population from the start to the end of the
Great Depression is reflected by the type of music they listened to. Jazz was prominent before
the depression because it was sophisticated, stylistic, and complicated but at the same time very
likeable and fun to listen to. It reminded people of the laidback times they were living in. When
the market crashed, people were no longer interested in the music that reminded them of how
easy life was prior to the Depression. Instead, they preferred music that they could connect with
on an emotional level and that made them feel like they werent the only ones suffering through
the hard times. Blues offered this to them in a way that jazz couldnt. But when people grew tired
of the weariness and desperation, they turned to the new and exciting form of music that came to
be known as swing. People were in dire need of something to lighten them up and reassure them
that the future would be better. People were able to connect with music throughout the Great
Depression and in the process, music styles changed dramatically.
It is appropriate, then, to note how if it hadnt been for the Great Depression, all of the
changes that were made in the music industry would not have happened. In fact, had it not been
for the decrease in record sales and jobless musicians, swing would have never evolved in the
way that it did. Swing was made due to the necessity of its makers. Musicians were living in
constant desperation, and it was because of this that they decided to change jazz music. They
realized that there was a need for change, as the world around them was constantly changing as
well. Musicians simply had to adapt to the changing time. It was certainly a risk, but a risk well
taken, as swing was instantly popular.
However, the blues did not have the long-term success that swing did. This was most
likely due to the fact that the blues musicians of the time did not try to change the style in the
way that jazz musicians did. Rather than adapting to what was considered popular, the blues
stayed the same throughout the entire Great Depression. This is why the blues had a different
journey than jazz. It separated itself from the jazz style, despite their similarities and common
background.
While the Great Depression may have had unfortunate consequences for those who were
struck harshly by the economy, it certainly allowed for the development of music. Because of the
Great Depression, jazz was able to evolve from being sophisticated to being laid-back, and did so
just in time. Thanks to these changes, swing music (played by former jazz musicians) became
extremely popular. Musicians jobs were saved and the music industry was finally back up and
running, ironically all thanks to the Great Depression.

E. Conclusion
It is evident that jazz and blues each took their own path in their development during the Great
Depression. This was due to the fact the society was faced with ubiquitous poverty and had to cut
down on their luxuries. This unfortunately meant that the music business suffered great losses in
record sales. Both jazz and blues suffered greatly from this, but due to the changing mindsets of
the society, each genre had its own unique journey through the era. In the end, jazz had a greater
success, since its transformation into swing made it more accessible and pleasing to the
population. It was because of the changes made that the music industry began to grow once
again. However, although each genre had its own story, they each contributed to the music of this
generation and helped shape and define the society of that time period.