1940s and before

Music during the 1940s was built around the jazz and big band styles that were popular. Artists like Rosemary Clooney, Count Basie, and Artie Shaw helped to define the musical era with their unique brand of entertaining crowds through their music. This was also the era of World War II, and many musical acts strived to reflect the pain that the country was going through while still remaining upbeat and positive about the impending future. Glen Miller brought a particular style of American band leader to the dance floors of Britain. Others every bit as popular Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey. Other artists included Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dinah Shore, Dick Haymes, Billie Halliday & Frank Sinatra.