Swing: The Velocity of Celebration - 1937-1939

Swing would be reacquainted with its blues roots by way of Kansas City, when Count Basie and the Barons of Rhythm brought their hot sound to the Big Apple. Basie would also give Billie Holiday her first break, offering her a chance to travel, perform, drink, and gamble with the rest of the band. Another young singer named Ella Fitzgerald would get her start in Chick Webb’s band at the Savoy Ballroom, and then be named top female vocalist—over Billy Holiday—by Down Beat in 1937.

Where to watch

You cover 0/4 episodes +4 with the plan · 100%

Your services

With the plan

Not covered

PBS Add

Free

4/4

Watch

Every episode is already streaming. You only need about a month to binge it.

Add PBS

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov

Subscribe ~1 month · binge all 4 episodes, then cancel

See your month-by-month plan → Track