The Most Popular Swing Song, Ranked

Choose the swing song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:51
Choosing the right swing song for any occasion can be a fun yet daunting task given the variety of catchy tunes available. By identifying the most popular swing songs through collective voting, it becomes easier for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to select music that resonates with a large audience. This method of ranking not only keeps the list dynamic and reflective of current tastes but also introduces lesser-known gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. The purpose of this live ranking is to create a continually updated list that adapts to new votes and changes in music popularity. As users contribute their preferences, the rankings evolve, providing an up-to-date reflection of what people truly enjoy. Whether you're planning a themed event, looking to expand your musical repertoire, or simply curious about the genre, this list aims to be a valuable resource for discovering and appreciating the swing songs that swing lovers most cherish.

What Is the Most Popular Swing Song?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    This iconic swing tune has been a hit since its release in 1939 and is still played at dances and parties all over the world. Its catchy melody and energetic rhythm are hard to resist.
  2. 2
    46
    votes
    Another classic swing tune that has stood the test of time, this song features a driving beat and a memorable clarinet solo by Goodman himself.
    Sing, Sing, Sing is a swing jazz song composed by Louis Prima in 1936. It gained popularity through Benny Goodman's recording and performance at the Carnegie Hall in 1938. The song is characterized by its lively tempo, energetic rhythm, and prominent solos. It became one of the most iconic swing songs of the era.
    • Genre: Swing Jazz
    • Composition Year: 1936
    • Performer: Benny Goodman
    • Release Year: 1938
    • Recorded at: Carnegie Hall
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    This jazz standard is instantly recognizable with its upbeat tempo and swingin' melody. It's been covered by countless artists over the years and remains a favorite among swing enthusiasts.
    Take the A Train is a jazz standard composed by Billy Strayhorn and performed by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. It was first recorded in 1941 and has since become one of the most widely recognized and performed jazz compositions.
    • Genre: Jazz
    • Year of Recording: 1941
    • Composer: Billy Strayhorn
    • Performer: Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
    • Style: Swing
    "Take the A Train" by Duke Ellington in other rankings
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    This instrumental track showcases the legendary jazz pianist and bandleader's skills at their best. Its swinging rhythm and catchy melody are perfect for dancing.
    Jumpin' at the Woodside is a popular swing song performed by Count Basie. It was recorded in 1938 and released as a single in 1939. The song features a lively tempo, catchy melodies, and energetic solos, making it a quintessential example of the big band era. Jumpin' at the Woodside has since become an iconic tune in the swing jazz genre.
    • Genre: Swing jazz
    • Recording year: 1938
    • Release year: 1939
    • Tempo: Lively
    • Melodies: Catchy
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    This upbeat tune from the 1940s is a swing classic that still gets people dancing today. Its catchy chorus and playful lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser.
    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy is a classic swing song by The Andrews Sisters. It was first recorded in 1940 and quickly became one of the most popular songs of the era. The song tells the story of a talented bugle player who turns heads and brings joy with his lively and infectious music.
    • Record Label: Decca Records
    • Lyricist: Don Raye
    • Composer: Hughie Prince
    • Genre: Swing
    • Release Year: 1940
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    This swing classic is one of Miller's most famous songs and features a catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and playful lyrics. It was a huge hit in the 1940s and remains popular today.
    The 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' is a popular swing song performed by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. It was released in 1941 and became a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. The song features vocals by Tex Beneke and Paula Kelly, and it is known for its catchy melody and lively swing rhythm.
    • Release Year: 1941
    • Genre: Swing
    • Artist: Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
    • Vocals: Tex Beneke, Paula Kelly
    • Chart Position: Number one on the Billboard charts
  7. 7
    5
    votes

    "Pennsylvania 6-5000" by Glenn Miller

    Jerry Gray and Carl Sigman
    Another classic from the king of swing, this song features a catchy melody and memorable lyrics that make it a crowd favorite.
    Pennsylvania 6-5000 is a swing song recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. It was originally composed by Jerry Gray and Carl Sigman in 1940. The song became popular for its catchy melody and memorable lyrics. It showcases the classic big band sound that Glenn Miller and His Orchestra were known for.
    • Genre: Swing
    • Recording Year: 1940
    • Performer: Glenn Miller and His Orchestra
    • Composer: Jerry Gray
    • Lyricist: Carl Sigman
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    This instrumental track is a swing classic that showcases Miller's skill as a bandleader and arranger. Its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it a favorite among swing dancers.
    Tuxedo Junction is a popular swing song that was released in 1940. It was performed by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and became one of their signature tunes. This lively and upbeat song features a catchy melody with a combination of jazz and big band elements.
    • Year of Release: 1940
    • Artist: Glenn Miller
    • Genre: Swing
    • Length: 3:25
    • Label: RCA Victor
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    This instrumental track is a swing classic that features Basie's signature piano playing and a swinging rhythm that's hard to resist.
    One O'Clock Jump is a famous swing instrumental composition by Count Basie and his orchestra. It is considered one of the most popular swing songs of all time. The song features a catchy and energetic melody, a driving rhythm section, and impressive solos from various instruments. One O'Clock Jump became a signature tune for Count Basie and was often used as the opening number during live performances.
    • Genre: Swing
    • Year: 1937
    • Duration: 3:03
    • Instrumentation: Big band (piano, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, drums, bass)
    • Record Label: Decca Records
  10. 10
    13
    votes
    This jazz standard is a swing classic that features Ellington's distinctive piano playing and a catchy melody that's still popular today.

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Ranking factors for popular swing song

  1. Chart performance
    The popularity of a swing song can be determined by how well it performed on music charts such as the Billboard charts.
  2. Sales and streaming data
    The number of sales and streams a swing song has received can also indicate its popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular swing song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or swing song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2884 views
  • 185 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each swing song once every 24 hours. The rank of each swing song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular swing song

Swing music originated in the 1920s and gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, with its upbeat rhythms and lively melodies. The genre is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, brass and woodwind instrumentation, and swing dancing. Swing songs were often played by big bands, led by famous bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. The popularity of swing music has endured over the years, with many swing bands and swing dance communities still thriving today. In this article, we will explore the most popular swing songs of all time, as voted by our users on StrawPoll.

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