The Age of Swing & Race

Step 1 Read the document on The Age of Swing and take a look at the video/audio examples below. Benny Goodman Orchestra (2:11) Flectcher Henderson (2:53) Step 2 Consider the 3 questions found below concerning “The Age of Swing & Race” for your initial posting in a discussion format (do not repeat the questions) a. Jazz and swing had roots in African-American music. Why, then, do you think the white musician Benny Goodman became the “King of Swing”? Be specific. b. Why were racial lines more easily blurred and crossed in the musical world than in other social areas and arenas? Be specific. c. What forms of music today challenge taboos (racial or other) as swing did in the 1930s and 1940s? Give a few examples.