There’s something magical about Swing music—the infectious rhythms, the soaring brass, and the sheer joy it brings to dancers and listeners alike. Whether you’re a seasoned Lindy Hopper or just dipping your toes into the world of Swing, these timeless tracks will keep your feet moving and your heart swinging.
Pro Tip: Pair these classics with a vintage cocktail and a dimly lit dance floor for the ultimate Swing-era vibe.
Essential Swing Classics
"Sing, Sing, Sing" – Benny Goodman
The holy grail of Swing. That drum intro alone is enough to get any crowd on their feet.
The holy grail of Swing. That drum intro alone is enough to get any crowd on their feet.
"Jumpin’ at the Woodside" – Count Basie
A high-energy masterpiece that showcases Basie’s flawless piano and the band’s tight chemistry.
A high-energy masterpiece that showcases Basie’s flawless piano and the band’s tight chemistry.
"In the Mood" – Glenn Miller
Instantly recognizable and impossible to resist. The definition of a crowd-pleaser.
Instantly recognizable and impossible to resist. The definition of a crowd-pleaser.
Hidden Gems for the Connoisseur
"T’aint What You Do" – Jimmie Lunceford
Playful lyrics and a groove so smooth it feels like dancing on clouds.
Playful lyrics and a groove so smooth it feels like dancing on clouds.
"Shiny Stockings" – Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie
Ella’s velvet voice meets Basie’s effortless swing—pure elegance.
Ella’s velvet voice meets Basie’s effortless swing—pure elegance.
"Flying Home" – Lionel Hampton
A vibraphone-driven romp that’s equal parts sophisticated and exhilarating.
A vibraphone-driven romp that’s equal parts sophisticated and exhilarating.
Modern Swing Revivals
Swing never truly left—it just evolved. These contemporary tracks prove the genre’s enduring appeal:
"Zoot Suit Riot" – Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
90s neo-swing at its finest, with a rebellious edge and killer horn section.
90s neo-swing at its finest, with a rebellious edge and killer horn section.
"Minnie the Moocher" – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
A fresh take on Cab Calloway’s classic, dripping with swagger.
A fresh take on Cab Calloway’s classic, dripping with swagger.
Dance Note: Many of these tracks alternate between fast ("hot") and slow ("sweet") sections—perfect for showing off both your Charleston and your bluesy moves.
So dust off your wingtips or flapper dress, queue up these gems, and let the music carry you away. After all, as the old saying goes: It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
