Marilyn & Other Great Hits

With roots firmly established in Jazz, and building on the pioneering innovations of Fletcher Henderson and his Orchestra, the "Big Bands" became the white "Pop" music phenomenon of the 1930s, led by Benny Goodman. He was soon joined by the likes of Artie Shaw, the Dorsey Brothers, Harry James, Woody Herman, and a host more, all heading sizeable orchestras which purveyed a mixture of popular music imbued with the Jazz "spirit". Perhaps reaching its peak with Glenn Miller in the early 1940s, unfortunately (but like most phenomenon) only a slow decline could follow. This was as much to do with technological developments and a changing social scene than any deficiency in the actual music. Rapid improvements in amplification made the need for a big band to provide a "big sound" redundant, whilst in the affluent post-war period, escalating through the fifties, it no longer became viable to tour the U.S.A. with the required personnel.