June 14th - December 31st
The term "jitterbug" originally was a slang term for a person who was real heavy
on "jittersauce" (which is slang for alcohol). The term was then later applied to
Lindy Hop dancers and Lindy Hop itself. By the 1950s, the term was being used to
describe East Coast Swing -- which had replaced the Lindy Hop as the "in" dance.
February 3rd - June 13th
Bonnie and Clyde were first spotted at a swing dance. Bonnie and Clyde were
dancing a very good Lindy and were noticed by fellow dancers. One individual
had the police called on them. That night marked the start of them running
from the law.
2002
December 18th - February 2rd
The title of the Glen Miller tune "Pennsylvania 6-5000" was the phone
number of the Hotel Pennsylvania on 7th Avenue in New York City. At the time,
if you wished to call the Hotel Pennsylvania, you would ask the operator
to connect you to "Pennsylvania 6-5000." However, if you had a phone that
you could dial a number on, you would dial "736-5000" since 73 was the equivalent
of the exchange name "PEnnsylvania."
October 4th - December 17th
In 1980, Cab Calloway appeared in the movie
"The Blues Brothers" leading an on-screen audience to his trademark "Minnie
The Moocher." The movie helped bring him out of retirement, making appearances
and doing performances until his death in 1994.
June 27th - October 3rd
Frankie Manning was one of the original swing
dancers of the swing era. Credited for creating the first Lindy aerial, this
Savoy Ballroom dancer was a member of Whitey's
Lindy Hoppers, a founder of the Congoroos, and has performed and choreographed
in several movies. At age 88, Frankie Manning is still teaching Lindy Hop
to dancers world wide.
March 17th - June 26th
It can be said that the Swing Era began when Louis
Armstrong joined Fletcher Henderson's
band in 1924. What is today considered the official launch of the Swing Era
was when Benny Goodman performed at the Palomar
Ballroom on August 21st, 1935.
March 7th - March 16th
Dixieland Jazz and what is often called Traditional Jazz are often refered
to as being the same thing. However, "Traditional Jazz" is the original form
of Jazz developed by African-Americans from New Orleans, while Dixieland
Jazz was a Euro-American interpretation of the other.
January 29th - March 6th
Daniel Louis Armstrong
(August 4, 1901 - July 6, 1971)
In 1930, "Satchmo" was arrested for possesion of marijuana, in Los Angelas;
he was banned from entering the state of California for 2 years, but remained
an advocate for the drug's use his whole life.
2001
November 18th - January 28th
Gene Krupa
(Jan 15, 1909 - Oct 16, 1973)
Gene Krupa took up a career as a drummer after his mother failed to persuade
him to become a priest.
October 30th - November 17th
Cab Calloway
(Dec 25, 1907 - Nov 8, 1994)
In 1993, a year before he died, Cab celebrated his honorary doctorate in
fine arts (University of Rochester in New York State) by leading the 9,000
graduates and guests in a singalong to "Minnie The Moocher."
October 15th - October 29th
Benny Goodman
(May 30, 1909 - Jun 13, 1986)
Called the "King of Swing," and credited for officially starting the
swing era. He continued to perform live until his death at age 77.
September 18th - October 14th
Fletcher Henderson
(Dec 18,1898 - Dec 28,1952)
One of the most important figures in the development of big band jazz. Before
becoming a pianist, band leader, and arranger, he earned a degree in chemistry
at Atlanta State University.
September 1st - 17th
Louis Prima
(Dec 7, 1910 New Orleans - Aug 24, 1978 New Orleans)
On Louis' grave stone is engraved the lyrics "WHEN THE END COMES I
KNOW, THEY'LL SAY JUST A GIGOLO, AS LIFE GOES ON WITHOUT ME"
August 27th - 31st
Louis Prima
(Dec 7, 1910 New Orleans - Aug 24, 1978 New Orleans)
Louis refused to fly, so everywhere the band went they would have to take
a train or drive.
August 1st - 26th
Daniel Louis Armstrong
Birthdate: August 4, 1901 New Orleans, LA Died: July
6, 1971
"Pops" believed all his life that he was born in 1900, but after his death
it was discovered that he was born in 1901.