The Best Swing Bands/Artists of All Time

For the better part of the 1930s and 1940s, swing music artists and bands were among the most popular musicians in the world. Using brass instruments and percussion, the best swing music consisted of arrangements that were easy to dance to, and was considered the hippest sound, even surpassing jazz music. Soloists in swing bands were the rock stars of their time. Their bouncy music with rhythm and beats could get even the most conservative people to swing their hips. 

So, what are the top swing bands and swing artists? This list isn't to be confused with simply famous or big swing bands and artists, but rather aims to separate the best swing music from the average players. That's why you'll see the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Nat King Cole featured below. These swing singers and instrumentalists are among the most talented and well-respected, and their songs remain classics in the great American songbook. 

That said, it's up to you to determine which swing musicians can truly be considered the best. This list answers the questions "who are the best swing bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest swing musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the bands' albums and songs instead of just voting for the most popular swinging groups that you might've heard of.