Artie Shaw: The Clarinet King of Swing
Artie Shaw was an American clarinetist, bandleader, and composer who became one of the defining figures of the swing era. His 1938 recording of Begin the Beguine catapulted him to national fame, selling over a million copies and establishing him as a rival to Benny Goodman.
Early career
Born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky in New York City in 1910, Shaw began his professional music career as a highly sought-after session saxophonist in the late 1920s. After a period of musical experimentation, he formed his first big band in 1936, aiming for a more sophisticated sound than many of his contemporaries.
Breakthrough
Artie Shaw's breakthrough arrived in 1938 with his recording of Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine for the Bluebird label. The record became a massive commercial hit, reportedly selling over a million copies and spending six weeks at number one on the pop charts. This success forced his previous label, Brunswick, to rush-release material from their sessions.
Key tracks
Begin the Beguine — This 1938 recording was Shaw's signature hit, a monumental swing arrangement that defined his commercial peak.
Frenesi — This 1940 release became another major hit, reaching number one and showcasing his band's embrace of Latin rhythms.
Stardust — Shaw's 1940 interpretation of the Hoagy Carmichael standard is celebrated as one of the most elegant instrumental versions ever recorded.
Concerto for Clarinet — This ambitious 1940 composition highlighted Shaw's classical aspirations and technical prowess within a swing framework.
Summit Ridge Drive — A 1940 hit from his small group, the Gramercy Five, demonstrating his interest in chamber jazz sounds.
Shaw's career was marked by sudden retirements and reformations of his band. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, leading a renowned service band that toured the Pacific. After the war, he continued to record for labels like RCA Victor and Musicraft, exploring bebop influences but never recapturing his earlier mass popularity.
He permanently left the music business in 1954, focusing on writing and other pursuits. Artie Shaw's legacy rests on his impeccable musicianship, his hit recordings, and his constant, often restless, musical innovation within the swing genre.
Fans of the classic swing sound should also explore Benny Goodman, the other clarinet giant who dominated the era. Tommy Dorsey led another top-tier orchestra known for its smooth trombone and vocalists. Glenn Miller achieved perhaps the greatest commercial success with his instantly recognizable ensemble sound.
Artie Shaw's music remains a staple on classic big band and swing radio stations featured on this website. His recordings are regularly featured in programming blocks dedicated to the golden age of jazz and American popular song.
Listeners can discover the sophisticated swing of Artie Shaw on radio stations available on onairium.com, where his timeless hits continue to captivate new generations of music fans.
