Duke Ellington (1899–1974)
A composer, pianist and bandleader for whom the orchestra was an instrument. He wrote for specific musicians in his band and moved the big band from dance music to art. His song It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) became the motto of the entire swing era — and you will find it among our recordings.
Count Basie (1904–1984)
The master of simplicity and drive from Kansas City. Basie’s orchestra stood on a tirelessly swinging rhythm section and short, punchy horn riffs. Anyone who wants to understand what it means for music to “swing” should start with Basie.
Benny Goodman (1909–1986)
The clarinettist known as the King of Swing. His concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall in January 1938 brought swing into America’s most prestigious concert hall. He died in 1986 — the same year Big Band Karlovy Vary was founded.
Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)
He started as a singer with the big bands of Harry James and Tommy Dorsey before becoming the most famous voice of American popular music. His recordings with orchestras remain the model for every swing singer — including our soloist David Kleňha.
And Glenn Miller?
No concert is complete without In the Mood, made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra — you will find it in our concert recordings too.