Music · 1940
Swing Era Swings Hard Amid World Crisis
In 1940, big bands ruled the American airwaves while WWII loomed globally, serving up infectious rhythm and soothing romanticism to a troubled world. From the birth of music charts to seminal folk albums, music provided both escape and poignant social commentary.
- July 1940 | Single | Tommy Dorsey
I'll Never Smile Again
This melancholic masterpiece featuring young vocalist Frank Sinatra became the first-ever number one hit on Billboard's new national retail chart.
- July 1940 | Album | Woody Guthrie
Dust Bowl Ballads
Woody Guthrie released his groundbreaking semi-autobiographical album, defining American folk music with raw tales of economic hardship and resilience.
- 1940 | Single | Artie Shaw
Frenesi
Clarinetist Artie Shaw transformed an obscure Mexican song into an irresistible, Latin-infused swing hit that spent 13 weeks at the top of the charts.
- Nov 13, 1940 | Film | Leopold Stokowski
Fantasia Premiere
Disney's revolutionary animated concert film paired classical masterworks conducted by Stokowski with innovative stereophonic sound called Fantasound.
- Nov 7, 1940 | Live | Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington at Fargo
Two young fans captured a legendary, relaxed live performance by the Duke Ellington Orchestra in North Dakota on portable recording equipment.
- Feb 1940 | Single | Glenn Miller
Tuxedo Junction
Glenn Miller's slick arrangement of Erskine Hawkins' track showcased the unmatched precision and massive popular appeal of his big band.
- Feb 1940 | Single | Jimmie Davis
You Are My Sunshine
Jimmie Davis recorded his definitive version of this immortal country-pop anthem, cementing its place in the American songbook.
- May 1940 | Single | Duke Ellington
Cotton Tail
Featuring Ben Webster's electrifying tenor sax solo, this track set a new benchmark for rhythm and arrangement in big-band jazz.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?