Americas Popular Music

America’s Popular Music

Step back into the golden age of swing and jazz with America’s Popular Music, a delightful music program broadcast out of Hollywood and hosted by the warm and knowledgeable Andy Mansfield. This audio collection brings together eight recordings—over seven hours of vintage entertainment—that celebrate the big bands and vocal stylings that defined American radio in the 1930s and 40s. From the soft blues of the Casa Loma Orchestra to the toe-tapping ragtime of the California Ramblers, each episode offers a lovingly curated tribute to the performers whose music filled living rooms and dance halls across the nation.

Collection Highlights

• The Casa Loma Orchestra Story – Andy Mansfield opens the program by sharing the history of Glenn Gray and his beloved Casa Loma band, a favorite for its soft blues and swing. Highlights include their stirring “Stomp,” a perky piece that showcases solo talents on trumpet, trombone, and sax, blending upbeat rhythm with cultural significance.
• The California Ramblers’ Tale – Journey back to the 1920s when jazz culture set feet flying with the Charleston. This episode reminds us of the Ramblers’ early days alongside the Dorsey brothers and other notable names, featuring the timeless tune “Five Foot 2, Eyes of Blue”—a classic for the floor-hoofing crowd.
• The Glenn Miller Story – Andy Mansfield brings to mind the soft, unforgettable tones of Glenn Miller’s band, highlighting hits from the films Orchestra Wives and Sun Valley Serenade. The episode honors Miller’s legacy, including the tragic loss of his life over the English Channel during WWII, while celebrating the music that never faded.
• Legends of Swing and Jazz – Additional episodes explore the contributions of Count Basie, Artie Shaw, the Dukes of Dixieland, and Sidney Bechet, each reflecting the rich schemes of swing that captured the hearts of a generation. This collection is a treasure for any enthusiast of vintage American music.

Track Listing

Show all 16 tracks (7 hours, 16 min)

• Americas Popular Music Artie Shaw Broadcasts Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Artie Shaw Early Recordings Afrts
• Americas Popular Music California Ramblers Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Casa Loma Orchestra Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Count Basie Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Dukes Of Dixieland Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Glenn Miller Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Sidney Bechet Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Artie Shaw Broadcasts Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Artie Shaw Early Recordings Afrts
• Americas Popular Music California Ramblers Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Casa Loma Orchestra Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Count Basie Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Dukes Of Dixieland Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Glenn Miller Story Afrts
• Americas Popular Music Sidney Bechet Afrts