Music in the 1930's

The 1930’s were shape the contrasting attitudes caused by the beginnings of Old Hollywood and the Great Depression. Music during this time was just as impacted by these events and developing technology. The 1930’s paved way for some the most diverse times in music America had ever seen, from popular styles ranging from swing to jazz to folk to musicals. These vast changes in music begs the question: How exactly did these hard and changing times of the 1930’s impact music in America?

These times were very difficult for Americans, the Depression and Dust Bowl completely uprooting the lives of the everyday American. Along with other ventures, music became a major source of revenue, jobs and entertainment. While music had a great impact on people in the 1930’s, the people of 1930’s America had even greater impact on music. Despite musicians also taking a big hit from the Depression, the sufferings of musicians actually became a catalyst for music development. This project will depict just how New Deal programs in the 1930’s helped support the arts as never seen before, creating an entirely new style of American music.