There’s nothing like the electric energy of a Lindy Hop jam—swing dancers feeding off the rhythm, the crowd cheering, and the band (or DJ) dropping tunes that make your feet move on their own. But what separates a good jam from a legendary one? The music, of course!
Whether you’re a DJ, a live band, or just curating the ultimate playlist, these must-play songs will keep the floor packed and the vibes high. From classic big band bangers to modern neo-swing gems, here’s your ultimate Lindy Hop jam soundtrack.
Classic Big Band Burners
- "Jumpin’ at the Woodside" – Count Basie
- "Shiny Stockings" – Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie
- "Flying Home" – Benny Goodman (with Lionel Hampton)
- "T’aint What You Do" – Jimmie Lunceford
- "Sing Sing Sing" – Benny Goodman (for that epic jam circle moment)
Pro tip: These golden-era tracks are non-negotiable—they’re the backbone of any great Lindy playlist.
Bluesy & Slow(ish) Grooves
- "Roll ’Em Pete" – Big Joe Turner & Pete Johnson
- "Sent for You Yesterday" – Count Basie (with Jimmy Rushing)
- "Honeysuckle Rose" – Fats Waller
- "All of Me" – Billie Holiday (for a sultry drag-out)
Perfect for mixing up the tempo and letting dancers show off their musicality.
Modern Swing Revivals
- "Zoot Suit Riot" – Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
- "Jump Through the Window" – Royal Crown Revue
- "Minnie the Moocher" – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- "That’s Life" – Postmodern Jukebox ft. Casey Abrams
Ideal for luring in new dancers while keeping old-schoolers happy.
Wildcards for the Brave
- "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" – The Andrews Sisters (chaotic fun!)
- "Tiger Rag" – Sidney Bechet (for Charleston madness)
- "The Dipsy Doodle" – Ella Fitzgerald (playful and unpredictable)
Warning: These might cause spontaneous aerials or uncontrollable grinning.
Remember, a great Lindy Hop jam isn’t just about the songs—it’s about the energy, the community, and the joy of swing. But with these tracks in rotation, you’re guaranteed a floor that’s always moving. Now go crank the volume and let the jitterbugging begin!
Got a favorite jam song we missed? Shout it out in the comments—we’re always hunting for new gems!
