Music · 1933
Depression Blues and Swing's Golden Dawn
In 1933, music provided vital solace against the heavy backdrop of the Great Depression and the repeal of Prohibition. From sultry Harlem jazz clubs to historic classical premieres, groundbreaking artists laid the foundations for the Swing Era.
- Nov 27, 1933 | Benny Goodman | Jazz
Billie Holiday's Debut Recording
Seventeen-year-old Billie Holiday makes her historic recording debut singing 'Your Mother's Son-in-Law' with Benny Goodman's band.
- Feb 1933 | Ethel Waters | Torch Song
Stormy Weather
Ethel Waters records Harold Arlen's emotional masterpiece, which becomes a massive hit and an anthem for an economically distressed nation.
- June 15, 1933 | Classical | USA
Florence Price's Symphony Premiere
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays Florence Price's Symphony in E Minor, marking the first major orchestra performance of a Black woman's work.
- June 1933 | Duke Ellington | Jazz
Duke Ellington's First European Tour
Duke Ellington and his orchestra cross the Atlantic to perform at the London Palladium, enthralling European fans and critics alike.
- May 1933 | Ginger Rogers | Film Song
We're in the Money
Ginger Rogers sings 'The Gold Diggers' Song (We're in the Money)' in the film Gold Diggers of 1933, offering ironic cheer during desperate times.
- July 1933 | Folk / Blues | USA
Lead Belly's Angola Prison Recordings
Folklorists John and Alan Lomax record blues singer Lead Belly at Louisiana's Angola Prison, capturing vital American musical history.
- May 1933 | Duke Ellington | Big Band
Sophisticated Lady
Duke Ellington hits the top of the charts with his lush instrumental composition, proving jazz's growing artistic maturity.
- Jan 1933 | Eddy Duchin | Pop
Night and Day
Pianist Eddy Duchin leads his orchestra to a long-running number-one hit with Cole Porter's legendary pop standard.
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