From the mid-'20s to the mid-'40s, artists such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman soared to the top of the charts with the danceable new style of swing. Many mid-sized ensembles performed catchy, repetitive musical phrases with a lead vocalist or instrument taking increasingly inventive melodic solos.

Notable Artists: Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Art Tatum, Jelly Roll Morton