Among the many styles of jazz, swing jazz is especially groovy.
While each piece has its own distinctive features, swing tends to blend easily with contemporary music, and it continues to evolve today in forms like electro-swing.
This time, we’ve picked out works renowned as classic masterpieces of swing jazz! Even those unfamiliar with jazz will recognize many of these famous tunes, making them great for beginners.
Of course, we’ve also included some lesser-known gems, so jazz enthusiasts won’t want to miss this either!
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Swing jazz masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (1–10)
Sing Sing SingBenny Goodman
Composed in 1936 by trumpeter Louis Prima, affectionately known as the “King of the Swingers,” the classic Sing, Sing, Sing is celebrated as a landmark of swing jazz and continues to be remade today, including through electro swing.
This time, we’re spotlighting the version by Benny Goodman, one of America’s most iconic jazz clarinetists.
It’s a recommended piece for anyone looking to delve deeper into swing jazz.
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), released in 1931 by jazz legend Duke Ellington, received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2008.
Known as a classic of swing jazz, it has been covered by numerous famous artists, including Nina Simone and Louis Armstrong.
This time, we’ve highlighted versions by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong.
In the MoodGlenn Miller
Glenn Miller, an artist known as a giant of swing jazz, passed away at the young age of 40, yet he released numerous classics during his short career.
The piece “In the Mood,” composed by Joe Garland, gained worldwide popularity through Glenn Miller’s performance.
For those who love classic swing jazz, this is an irresistible track.
One O’Clock JumpCount Basie
Among swing jazz pieces, One O’Clock Jump is known as a particularly old classic.
Released in 1908, this work was created by Count Basie, the renowned giant of the jazz world, guitarist Eddie Durham, and alto saxophonist Buster Smith.
With its original title reportedly being Blue Balls—a term known as a vulgar slang—the piece conveys a rough, wild atmosphere.
A Spring of PearlsRichard Hayman
The Glenn Miller Orchestra’s original song “A String of Pearls.” It’s a famous swing jazz number, but there’s also a classic swing tune called “A Spring of Paris,” and it seems many people confuse the two.
The meanings—“a string of pearls” and “spring in Paris”—are completely different, though.
This time, I’ve picked Richard Hayman’s version.
It’s been arranged with an extremely gorgeous and stylish tone.
Jumpin’ At The WoodsideCount Basie and his Orchestra
Count Basie is an artist known as a giant in the jazz world, alongside figures like Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.
In Japan, anyone who has dabbled even a little in jazz has probably heard his name.
“Jumpin’ at the Woodside” is one of his famous tunes, released in 1938 with his orchestra.
It’s a quintessential swing classic, so be sure to check it out.
Begin The BeguineThe Big Band Orchestra
Begin the Beguine is a classic swing jazz piece composed by American songwriter Cole Porter.
Originally featured in the 1935 musical Jubilee, the song was later covered by renowned jazz artists such as Django Reinhardt and Ella Fitzgerald.
This time, we’re highlighting a version by The Big Band Orchestra.
If you’re interested in exploring slightly lesser-known swing jazz, be sure to check it out.