In the dark years of the Depression of the 1930s, American society teetered on the edge of social collapse. However, one of the few bright voices of optimism and hope was the sound of the new American jazz. Leaving behind their music\u27s early years as a derided musical style left to its disreputable setting of speakeasies and dance halls, the new jazz orchestras, with the new name swing bands, presented a glittering promise that life could be better. Through the worst moments of the long financial crisis the bands offered a bright, infectious enthusiasm. Although their music didn\u27t confront the daily realities of America\u27s racial discrimination, by introducing African American musicians into their stage presentations the bands took important steps toward breaking down racial barriers. It was a moment when the music of great swing artists like Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Glen Miller became a lifeline toward a hopefully better future, and it was the song writers of that era like Johnny Mercer who gave them the new music to play. Jazz for the troubled decade was a celebration, at a moment when it seemed there was little else to celebrate
