Big Band

Big Band Leaders

Collins Cover Introduction 

Big Band Leaders

The stamps in this mini-set of Collins First Day Covers portray five of the greatest band leaders of the Swing Era. This upbeat music enjoyed its greatest success from 1935 to 1945. The widespread popularity of the Benny Goodman Orchestra in the Mid-Thirties led to the formation of several quality Big Bands that created a musical explosion that became the "Age of Swing." The highspirited sound is associated with the war years of World War IL Accordingly, I decided to use that as my connecting theme for this set of covers as servicemen are depicted dancing to the Big Band sound.

William Basie was a jazz pianist and band leader known as "The Count" He was the most enduring of all the Big Band leaders as he performed well into the 1950's - eventually touring with Frank Sinatra. His truly great legacy was to transform swing as a solo performance to a spectacular band presentation with star instrumental sidemen and featured vocalists.

Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey were brothers who formed a series of bands together and as individuals. Jimmy was known as "King of the Jukebox" and was an accomplished saxophonist. Tommy became known as the "Sentimental Gentleman of Swing" and was a celebrated trombonist They had personal differences over the years but in 1953 founded a new band called "The Fabulous Dorseys" which became very popular through television. Their legacy was a form of Big Band swing music called "Sweet Jazz."

Clarinetist Benny Goodman is regarded as the founder of the Big Band Era due to his success in the early 1930's. He will forever be known as the "King of Swing. He was the first jazz musician to appear at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Also, he was among the first white band leaders to feature black musicians such as Lionel Hampton and Teddy Wilson. Because of his serious approach to lively and up-lifting swing music, his band members referred to him as "The Professor."

Not quite ready yet is the fourth and final cover of this Collins set featuring Glenn Miller. I will be announcing it soon. I am pleased to offer true giants in the history of American music at $11.75 each. Count Basie. The Dorsey Brothers. Benny Goodman. Big Band Leaders in the Age of Swing.