“And jazz, which had
always thrived in adversity and comes to symbolize a certain kind of American
freedom...” This quote shows how music in the 1930's was popular and was loved
by the american citizens. 1930’s music comforted people and pushed them to get
through the hardest times. For instance, when the Great Depression became a
reality, the music industry was hit hard, but it eventually rallied the people
to hit it back harder. Additionally, World War II wouldn't of been possible to
win if it wasn't for music.. Therefore, the music of the 1930's caused the
American people to be victorious in ways that seemed impossible. The Great Depression would've
conquered the United States of America if it wasn't for music, but that doesn't
mean music did not struggle as well. Record companies who usually sold 100
million records a year, would only sell six million a year. The Great
Depression made people burn their vinyl to stay warm. Many musicians left music
to survive and support their families. Eventually, these great musicians were
forgotten. According to an article written by Jacob Teichrow, “ Bix Beiderbecke
died of pneumonia in 1931 after a fierce
battle with alcoholism. That same year, Buddy Bolden died at the Louisiana
State Hospital for the Insane.” This wasn't even half the list the article
provided and it still represents clearly shows how these great musicians were
dying without anyone noticing. It shows the great affect the Great Depression
had on musicians as well as America.
But
then, a strange type of jazz called 'Swing' was introduced and it was a smash
hit. Famous bands who became bestsellers include
Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. Dance Halls and Clubs reopened
and were filled with dancing and good times. And according to Pbs.org, “In
1932, just 10 million records were sold. By 1939, that number would grow to 50
million. This shows how much people loved swing and how it really made an
impact on America. This music offered jobs and entertainment to help this
nation's people.
To continue, when World War II came
into affect, music again was thrown into the dirt. This
was caused by early curfews and
electricity shortages to make clubs and dance halls shut down. And since
musical instruments and music players did not contribute to war, most companies
discontinued making them. In addition, the majority of talented artists in
America were being taken into fight in the war, leaving bands with “musicians”
who couldn't play a single note right. And when musicians did go over seas to
comfort the soldiers, the Japanese and Germans would bomb them and most of the
times, instruments wouldn't be able to survive the trip, and they would break.
Ultimately, World War II looked like it had conquered music, but it hadn't. Even
though it looked like the music looked like it was getting beaten to the land
down under, it rose up once again and fought back. The soldiers needed
something needed to remind them of home, and when musicians came and played for
them, it hit the spot. The bands could encourage the soldiers to move buildings
if needed to. But music also had a peaceful affect on people too. The spouse of
a soldier can be given warmth and comfort by romantic records. In addition, in
an interview with Jutta Hip about her experience in World War II, she stated,
“...but to us, jazz is some kind of religion. We really had to fight for it,
and I remember the nights when we didn't go down to the bomb shelter because we
listened to [jazz] records. We just had the feeling that you were not our
enemies, and even though the bombs crashed around us, we felt safe.” This quote
shows how music helped people get through these hard times and it made them
feel safe. All in all, the music of the 1930's comforted
America and pushed the citizens to get through the hardest times. For example,
The Great Depression would have pushed all of America into poverty and chaos if
not for music. It stopped a future that would of ruined this nation. Secondly,
World War II was won by the American troops and the music that motivated them.
As Ahmad Alaadeen, a jazz saxophonist, once said, “Jazz does not belong to one
race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world.” In
conclusion, music in the 1930's took in America as its own and protected it and
helped it come over obstacles that seemed impossible. The suspense of these
events repeating themselves are indefinite, but what also is indefinite is
the chance of music saving us once more.
Joe Venuti was a famous violinist from the 1930's
A Poster for One of Louis Armstrong's Performances
Bix Beiderbecke Was a Great, Famous Musician Who Was Eventually Forgotten During the Great Depression